Cristiano Ronaldo thanks fans worldwide after winning Ballon D'Or of All Time

Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked fans around the world after his 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season was voted the greatest in the history of the prestigious award.

Following a month-long public online vote, Ronaldo, 41, finished ahead of Lionel Messi to win the prize handed out by France Football.

Messi’s 2012 season finished second, with Ronaldo’s 2017 campaign third.

The Al Nassr forward was recognized for his 2007-08 season at Manchester United when he contributed to the team's Premier League and Champions League success by scoring 42 goals in all competitions, which led to his first Ballon d'Or.

"Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D'Or of All Time is also yours," Ronaldo wrote on social media.

The Portuguese veteran forward won a total of five Ballon d'Or awards, four at Real Madrid (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). Ronaldo, who is closing in on 1,000 career goals, is already the leading men's international scorer with 143 goals in 225 games.