Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo takes early lead, say Organisers

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is leading an official fan vote organised by France Football to determine the greatest winner in the history of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

The organisers confirmed Ronaldo’s position on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, through a post on the Ballon d’Or’s official social media platform, encouraging football fans to continue voting for their favourite former winners.

The ongoing poll, which began in early October, allows fans to select the player they believe deserves to be recognised as the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time.

The competition features 10 football legends who have won the award at least twice during their careers. Among the nominees are Ronaldo, his long-time rival Lionel Messi, French legend Michel Platini, former England international Kevin Keegan, Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, Dutch great Marco van Basten and Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff.

Announcing the current standings, the organisers wrote: “Cristiano Ronaldo is leading.”

They also urged supporters to participate in the poll, describing the contest as an opportunity to choose their Ballon d’Or of All Time, popularly referred to as B.O.A.T.

Fans who participate in the voting also stand a chance to win two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

What the announcement means

The announcement means that Ronaldo currently has the highest number of votes in the ongoing fan poll. However, it does not mean he has officially been declared the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time, as voting is still in progress.

It is also important to distinguish the fan poll from the actual Ballon d’Or award, which recognises outstanding individual performances in football. The current exercise is a separate contest designed to allow supporters to choose their favourite among players who have won the award multiple times.

Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d’Or five times, remains one of the most decorated players in the history of the award. His long-standing rivalry with Messi, a multiple-time winner, has also fuelled debates among football fans over which player deserves greater recognition.

With voting still open, the final outcome will depend on the choices made by participating fans.

For now, France Football’s confirmation places Ronaldo ahead of the other nominees in the race to be recognised by supporters as the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time.