Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the inaugural B.O.A.T. (Ballon d'Or of All Time) award, as voted by football fans worldwide. The award, open to players who have won the Ballon d'Or twice or more, allowed fans to choose their favorite Ballon d'Or-winning season. Ronaldo's 2008 campaign, where he led Manchester United to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory, secured 75% of the votes, making him the clear winner.
The B.O.A.T. award initiative enables fans to revisit historic Ballon d'Or campaigns and vote for the greatest winner in the award's history. This award is distinct from other accolades, such as the Super Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo's remarkable 2007-08 season saw him score 42 goals in all competitions, cementing his status as one of the finest players of his generation.
Lionel Messi's 2012 Ballon d'Or triumph came second in the voting, with 9% of the total votes cast. Despite Messi's record eight Ballon d'Or titles compared to Ronaldo's five, the two football legends dominated the final voting rankings, occupying all 12 positions. Ronaldo secured four places in the top five, while Messi's 2012 campaign finished second, followed by Ronaldo's 2017 triumph in third place.
The voting process involved 5,009 people, with 44 individuals voting between 10 and 26 times, 300 people voting between 5 and 9 times, and 4,665 people voting between 2 and 4 times. A fee of €1 per entry was required to cast a vote. The organisers announced Cristiano Ronaldo as the winner of the award two days after the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in London.
Ronaldo and Messi join a list of legends, including Ronaldo Nazario, Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, and Alfredo Di Stefano, who have won the prestigious award twice or more. The Portuguese captain expressed his gratitude for the recognition, highlighting his 2008 triumph as a standout moment in his career.
The top 10 final standings for the B.O.A.T. award feature Ronaldo's 2008 and 2017 triumphs, as well as Messi's 2012 and 2023 wins. Other notable entries include Ronaldo's 2016 and 2014 campaigns, and Messi's 2015 and 2011 triumphs. The award ceremony marks a new milestone in recognizing the achievements of football's greatest players.
The B.O.A.T. award serves as a testament to Ronaldo's enduring legacy in the world of football. His 2008 Ballon d'Or-winning campaign remains one of the most memorable in the history of the sport. As the football world continues to celebrate the achievements of its greatest stars, the B.O.A.T. award provides a unique platform for fans to engage with the rich history of the Ballon d'Or.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural B.O.A.T. award with 75% of the votes for his 2008 Ballon d'Or-winning campaign.
- The B.O.A.T. award is open to players who have won the Ballon d'Or twice or more, allowing fans to choose their favorite Ballon d'Or-winning season.
- Lionel Messi's 2012 Ballon d'Or triumph came second in the voting, with 9% of the total votes cast.
