Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the 'Best of All Time' in a special poll conducted by UEFA and France Football. The Portugal international topped a public vote, finishing ahead of long-time rival Lionel Messi and other legendary figures who have won football's most prestigious individual award. Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or-winning campaign secured the top position in the poll, adding another distinction to his remarkable career.
The 'Best of All Time' award, an abbreviation for BOAT, was introduced by UEFA and France Football to celebrate the greatest players in Ballon d'Or history. The poll invited fans to select their favourite from a shortlist of 10 players who had each won the Ballon d'Or at least twice. Ronaldo, a five-time winner, and Messi, the record eight-time recipient, led a distinguished group featuring some of football's most influential players.
The shortlist for the BOAT award included Dutch greats Marco van Basten and Johan Cruyff, as well as French legend Michel Platini, all three-time Ballon d'Or winners. Brazilian Ronaldo, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, England's Kevin Keegan, Argentina's Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Germany's Karl-Heinz Rummenigge completed the list, having each won the award twice. This selection brought together players from different generations, highlighting the enduring debate over who deserves recognition as the greatest footballer in Ballon d'Or history.
Cristiano Ronaldo won the first Ballon d'Or of his career in 2008 while playing for Manchester United. He finished ahead of Messi and Spain international Fernando Torres after an outstanding season with the English club. The Portuguese forward went on to collect four more Ballon d'Or titles in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, during his spell with Real Madrid. His five victories cemented his position among the most successful players in the award's history.
The BOAT voting process reportedly charged participants one euro per vote, with voters also entered into a draw to win two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d'Or ceremony. The poll closed early on Wednesday, with Messi finishing second with his 2012 triumph, while Ronaldo's 2017 edition placed third in the voting. This special recognition adds to Ronaldo's illustrious career, which has seen him establish himself among the most decorated players in the history of the game.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at a ceremony in London. The Bayern Munich striker and England captain's reported triumph adds another chapter to the award's history, which has recognised outstanding individual performances in world football for decades. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony highlighted the continued prestige and relevance of the award in modern football.
The 'Best of All Time' award is a unique recognition of the greatest players in Ballon d'Or history. Key points include:
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo was voted 'Best of All Time' in a special Ballon d'Or poll.
- Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or-winning campaign secured the top position in the poll.
- The 'Best of All Time' award was introduced to celebrate the greatest players in Ballon d'Or history.
