Ballon d'Or of All-Time: Cristiano Ronaldo leads public vote

Cristiano Ronaldo occupies first place in the votes for the “Ballon d’Or of All-Time”, according to the latest estimates published by the Ballon d’Or organization. The five-time winner, not retained among the 30 nominees for the 2026 edition, could nonetheless leave with a trophy at the 70th ceremony, scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium in London.

This new distinction, introduced this year, is awarded by public vote on the official Ballon d’Or website. Ten players who have won the award at least twice are in contention. Among them are legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ronaldo Nazário, all two-time winners, as well as Michel Platini, a three-time winner. Cristiano Ronaldo, five times honored, also faces Lionel Messi, the all-time record holder with eight Ballon d’Or awards.

Internet users have until October 27 at 23:59 (Paris time) to cast their vote. The name of the winner will be announced after the main ceremony, during which the successor to Ousmane Dembélé — the current holder — will be named.

In total, ten trophies will be presented during the evening, divided equally between men’s and women’s categories: the two Ballon d’Or awards, the prizes for best club, best coach, best goalkeeper and best young talent. The ceremony will be hosted by Thierry Henry, a Ballon d’Or finalist in 2003, and British journalist Kate Scott.