<P> Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or . 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 . Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later . 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 . </P>
<P> Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or . 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 . Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later . 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 . </P>
how many times has cristiano ronaldo won world best player
how many times has cristiano ronaldo won world best player
four
four