Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted the best of all time in a fan poll for the most impressive Ballon d'Or moment. The poll, which was open to fans from October 1 to 27, 2026, asked voters to choose the most outstanding performance by a Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo's 2008 season with Manchester United emerged as the winner, beating out Lionel Messi's 2012 performance. This poll, dubbed Ballon d'Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.), was conducted by Imvaho Nshya, gathering votes from fans worldwide.
Ronaldo's 2008 season was marked by outstanding achievements, including helping Manchester United secure two major titles: the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. During that season, he scored 31 goals in the Premier League, making him the top scorer. In the UEFA Champions League, Ronaldo scored eight goals in 11 matches, significantly contributing to Manchester United's advancement to the final. The final match against Chelsea ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Manchester United ultimately winning the title in a penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored the only goal for Manchester United during regular time.
In 2008, Ronaldo's impressive performance earned him his first Ballon d'Or at the age of 23, beating out other contenders like Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres. This achievement marked the beginning of his successful streak, as he went on to win four more Ballon d'Or awards in subsequent years while playing for Real Madrid. His consistent excellence over the years solidified his position as one of the greatest footballers.
Lionel Messi, who has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, finished second in the B.O.A.T. poll with his 2012 performance. That year, Messi set a record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year, showcasing his exceptional skill and contributing significantly to his team. Despite his remarkable achievement, Messi's 2012 performance was overshadowed by Ronaldo's 2008 season in the eyes of the fans.
The third position in the B.O.A.T. poll was secured by Ronaldo's 2017 Ballon d'Or win while he was playing for Real Madrid. This highlights the enduring impact of both Ronaldo and Messi on the world of football, with their best performances consistently ranking high in such polls. The B.O.A.T. poll was designed to give fans a voice in recognizing the most memorable moments in Ballon d'Or history.
The B.O.A.T. poll was conducted from October 1 to 27, 2026, allowing fans to vote for their favorite Ballon d'Or moment. A total of 5,009 fans participated, with 4,665 voting between two and four times, 300 voting between five and nine times, and 44 voting between 10 and 26 times. Each participant paid 1 Euro to cast their vote.
It's essential to note that the B.O.A.T. poll does not award a physical trophy or alter the official count of Ballon d'Or awards won by players. Instead, it serves as a recognition of the moments that have most impressed fans over the years. The poll results reflect the enduring popularity and impact of Ronaldo and Messi, who dominated the top 12 spots in the rankings.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 season with Manchester United was voted the best Ballon d'Or moment of all time.
