The inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time poll invited supporters to choose the greatest single-year performance from a select group of ten multi-time winners. Ronaldo's standout 2008 season finished ahead of Lionel Messi's 2012 and 2023 campaigns, as well as his own 2017 victory. Organizers launched the paid voting initiative on October 1 through the official Ballon d'Or platform without intending to award a physical trophy. Participants who cast ballots were also entered into a promotional prize draw for tickets to the 2027 award ceremony.
Key points
Fans decided the greatest individual season in history through an official paid online vo…: Fans decided the greatest individual season in history through an official paid online voting platform.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi collectively dominated the top four spots of the inaug…: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi collectively dominated the top four spots of the inaugural historical ranking.
The interactive B.O.A.T. project serves as a fan initiative rather than an official physi…: The interactive B.O.A.T. project serves as a fan initiative rather than an official physical trophy presentation.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
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, beating
Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 2012 campaign in the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) poll.
The Portuguese superstar took to social media to acknowledge the supporters who voted for him, sharing a message that placed the achievement firmly in the hands of football fans.
“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 X.
Ronaldo's iconic 2008 season beats Messi's record-breaking year
The B.O.A.T. poll, organised through the official Ballon d’Or platform, invited fans to choose the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign of all time. Ronaldo’s first triumph, earned in 2008 after a remarkable season with
Manchester United, emerged as the winner.
At just 23, Ronaldo enjoyed a spectacular 2007-08 campaign, scoring 42 goals across all competitions as Manchester United won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He also finished as the leading scorer in…
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