Ronaldo Fenômeno is the only Brazilian in historic Ballon d'Or vote

The magazine France Football has launched a special vote to mark the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or, seeking to elect the greatest winner in the history of the award. Ronaldo Fenômeno, who won the trophy in 1997 and 2002, is the only Brazilian included in the list of contenders. The selection of candidates followed the criterion of having won the award on at least two occasions, which excluded other national icons such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká, and Rivaldo. The absence of Pelé, frequently cited as the greatest player of all time, occurs because, during most of his professional career, the award was restricted to European athletes. Although the magazine has acknowledged that the King of Football would have won seven editions under current rules, these titles are not officially counted for this election. Ronaldo competes alongside names such as Lionel Messi, the record holder with eight trophies, Cristiano Ronaldo, winner of five editions, as well as Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, and Alfredo Di Stéfano. The vote is open on the official Ballon d'Or website and requires a payment of 1 euro, approximately R$ 5.60. In addition to casting a vote, participants receive an exclusive image of the award and are entered into a draw for tickets to the 2027 Ballon d'Or gala.