Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or of All Time fan vote, with fans choosing his 2008 season at Manchester United ahead of Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign. The result recognizes Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or-winning year as the best individual season. France Football introduced the Ballon d’Or of All Time, also called B.O.A.T., to ask fans which Ballon d’Or-winning season deserved the greatest-ever status. Unlike the traditional award, decided by international journalists, this poll gave supporters the final say.
Ronaldo’s 2008 season beats Messi’s record year
Ronaldo won the vote for his performances with Manchester United in 2008. He helped the English club win major honours and earned his first Ballon d’Or that year. Lionel Messi finished behind Ronaldo in the fan vote. Voters compared Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign with Messi’s remarkable 2012 season. Messi scored 91 goals for club and country that calendar year, setting a record that remains a major part of his career. The result adds another chapter to the debate between the two football icons. However, it reflects the preferences of people who took part in this poll. It does not rank every player or season officially.
Fans chose from multiple Ballon d’Or winners
The nomination list included footballers who had won the Ballon d’Or more than once. Names included Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan and Franz Beckenbauer. Alfredo Di Stefano and Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazario were also nominees. Ronaldo and Messi dominated the results, occupying the first 12 positions between them, according to the report. Ronaldo Nazario placed 13th for his 2002 Ballon d’Or-winning season.
Voting rules and prize draw
France Football opened the poll to its digital audience. Each vote required a one-euro payment, while voters entered a draw for two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony. The report said thousands participated and more than 5,000 people voted multiple times. The paid voting format differed from the usual Ballon d’Or process. The traditional award relies on international journalists, while the B.O.A.T. poll measured participating fans’ choices. These methods mean the results should be understood in their own context. The award focused on individual seasons rather than overall career records.
Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or of All Time fan vote after supporters selected his 2008 campaign over Messi’s historic year. The result celebrates Ronaldo’s place in football history. The poll highlights how fans compare generations, achievements and unforgettable seasons.
