{
  "id": 17080655,
  "title": "‘Football belongs to fans’, Ronaldo thanks fans worldwide for support",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/football-belongs-to-fans-ronaldo-thanks-fans-worldwide-for-support-17080655",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T15:39:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/football-belongs-to-fans-ronaldo-thanks-fans-worldwide-for-support/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the time to thank fans worldwide for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his illustrious career. Speaking to Fabrizio Romano on X, the Portuguese football legend declared, \"Football belongs to the fans! Thanks to all the fans around the world. The Ballon d'Or of All Time is also yours.\"\n\nThis sentiment underscores the pivotal role supporters play in football, acknowledging their passion and loyalty as a fundamental component of the sport. As one of the most accomplished players in history, Ronaldo has garnered a worldwide fanbase due to his exceptional performances, numerous accolades, and enduring presence at the elite level of the game.\n\nHis recent gesture of appreciation serves as a heartfelt tribute to the millions of supporters who have cheered him on and rejoiced in his triumphs throughout his career. Reporters like Gilbert Ekugbe, a veteran journalist with over a decade of experience in business and economic affairs, cover such stories for outlets like Punch Newspapers. Ekugbe's reporting is characterized by a commitment to accuracy and a deep understanding of the business and economic landscape, enabling readers to grasp complex issues in the world of football.",
  "summary": "Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his appreciation to football fans globally, acknowledging their support and dedication to the sport. According to Gulf News, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar shared a message on X on Thursday, October 29, stating that football belongs to the fans and that the Ballon d’Or of All Time award is also theirs.\n\nRonaldo won the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi. The B.O.A.T. award is a fan voting initiative created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, allowing supporters to select the greatest winning campaign from football legends. Ronaldo’s 2008 season with Manchester United placed first, followed by Messi’s 2012 campaign, while Ronaldo’s 2017 season with Real Madrid finished third.\n\nTo mark the occasion, Ronaldo shared a photograph of himself kissing his first Ballon d’Or trophy, which he won in 2008. During that campaign, he scored 42 goals in all competitions and helped Manchester United win the Premier League and Champions League.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cristiano Ronaldo thanks fans worldwide for unwavering support",
    "Football belongs to fans, declares Ronaldo",
    "Ballon d'Or of All Time belongs to fans"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}