Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Fifth Ballon d'Or Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d'Or on Thursday. The award is given to the best soccer player in the world based on their performance in the previous calendar year. With five Ballon d'Or trophies, Ronaldo is now tied with Lionel Messi, who has also won the award a record-five times. Ronaldo helped lead Real Madrid to another Champions League title, a La Liga title and win the FIFA Club World Cup. His other Ballon d'Or victories came in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.