In a poll conducted to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 season with Manchester United emerged as the best in the award's history. The poll, which was open to football fans from October 1, asked voters to choose the season they considered the most impressive from past Ballon d'Or winners. Ronaldo's 2008 season was marked by his outstanding performance, scoring 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League and 7 in the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo's impressive performance in the 2007/2008 season helped Manchester United win the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He also won the European Golden Shoe and his first Ballon d'Or award. The poll result was announced on October 28, 2026, and was published by sports journalist Fabrizio Romano on his social media platform. The poll result shows that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the top 12 spots in the BOAT ranking.
Lionel Messi's 2012 season came second in the poll, while Ronaldo's 2017 season was ranked third. Messi's 2023 season was ranked fourth, and Ronaldo's 2016 season was fifth. The BOAT poll was created to celebrate 70 years of the Ballon d'Or award, which was first presented in 1956 by French Football magazine. The poll is distinct from the annual Ballon d'Or award, as it asks fans to choose the season they consider the most impressive from past winners.
The BOAT poll result is a reflection of the fans' opinions and not a definitive judgment on who is the greatest footballer of all time. The poll result shows that Ronaldo and Messi have consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout their careers. The top 30 of the BOAT poll includes other notable footballers such as Ronaldo Nazário, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Franz Beckenbauer.
Ronaldo's 2008 season is widely regarded as one of the greatest seasons in football history. His performance that season earned him numerous accolades, including the Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, and UEFA Best Player in Europe. The season also marked a significant milestone in Ronaldo's career, as he established himself as one of the world's top players.
The BOAT poll is a unique recognition of the achievements of past Ballon d'Or winners. The poll result highlights the impressive performances of Ronaldo and Messi, who have dominated the award in recent years. The poll also provides a platform for fans to engage with the history of the Ballon d'Or and appreciate the achievements of legendary footballers.
The ranking of the BOAT poll is as follows: 1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008, 2. Lionel Messi — 2012, 3. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2017, 4. Lionel Messi — 2023, 5. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2016, 6. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2014, 7. Lionel Messi — 2015.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 season with Manchester United has been voted the best in Ballon d'Or history.
- The Ballon d'Or of All Time (BOAT) poll was conducted to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or award.
- Ronaldo and Messi dominated the top 12 spots in the BOAT ranking.
