how many times has cristiano ronaldo won world best player
Ballon d'Or Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or.[4] Prior to 1995, the award was often known in English language media as the "European Footballer of the Year" award. Milan's George Weah, the only African recipient, became the first non-European to win the award in the year the rules of eligibility were changed.[2] Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later.[2] Three players have won the award three times each: Johan Cruyff of Ajax and Barcelona, Michel Platini of Juventus and Marco van Basten of Milan, while Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid has won four and Lionel Messi of Barcelona has won five. With seven awards each, Dutch and German players won the most Ballons d'Or. Spanish club Barcelona had the most winners.[5]