Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award. The Portuguese forward secured the top spot following a fan vote organised by France Football. The vote invited supporters to rank the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning seasons. Ronaldo’s 2008 award was voted the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign in history. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Ronaldo’s illustrious career.
Ronaldo’s maiden Ballon d’Or award came in 2008 after a remarkable 2007/08 season with Manchester United. During that season, he scored 42 goals in all competitions and helped the club win the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. His performance that year was exceptional, showcasing his skill and contribution to the team’s success. This season is often cited as a defining moment in his career.
The B.O.A.T. award was introduced this year to identify the greatest individual Ballon d’Or-winning season. Only players who had won the prestigious award multiple times were eligible, with their respective winning campaigns considered separately. This criterion meant that the competition was limited to a select group of accomplished players. The award aims to recognise the best Ballon d’Or-winning campaign through a public vote.
Voting for the B.O.A.T. award opened on October 1 and closed on October 27, with fans paying €1 per vote. The results were announced two days after the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men’s award. The voting process was open to fans worldwide, allowing them to participate in recognising the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season.
Ronaldo’s 2008 season was a defining moment in his career. At Manchester United, he won the Premier League Golden Boot with 31 league goals and scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea, which Man United won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Moscow. This season highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team’s success.
The final B.O.A.T. rankings placed Ronaldo and Messi in the top 12, with Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign leading the list and Messi’s 2012 season in second place. Ronaldo’s 2017 triumph finished third, underlining the dominance of the two football greats in the fan vote. The rankings reflect the high esteem in which these players are held by fans worldwide.
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times, in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Messi remains the record holder with eight victories. The B.O.A.T. award is separate from the annual Ballon d’Or, which honours the player judged to have delivered the outstanding performance of the year. This distinction adds another layer of recognition to Ronaldo’s achievements.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time award with his 2008 campaign.
- The B.O.A.T. award was introduced to identify the greatest individual Ballon d’Or-winning season.
- Ronaldo’s 2008 season with Manchester United was a defining moment in his career.
