Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten long-time rival Lionel Messi to win the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award, following a fan vote celebrating the greatest individual seasons in the history of the prestigious football honour. Ronaldo’s outstanding 2008 campaign with Manchester United secured the top position, placing him ahead of Messi’s remarkable 2012 season.
The initiative, introduced by France Football as part of the Ballon d’Or’s 70th-anniversary celebrations, invited football fans to select the most impressive season from previous Ballon d’Or winners. The results once again highlighted the remarkable careers of two players who have dominated world football for more than a decade.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Memorable 2008 Season
Ronaldo’s winning campaign came during the 2007–08 season at Manchester United, when the Portuguese forward scored 42 goals across all competitions. His performances played a crucial role in helping the English club win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League under manager Sir Alex Ferguson The season also marked a major milestone in Ronaldo’s career, as he won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008. His ability to score consistently, create opportunities and perform in crucial matches established him as one of the leading footballers of his generation.
Ronaldo’s achievements that season helped him secure the top position in the B.O.A.T. rankings. His 2017 campaign finished third, while his 2016 and 2014 seasons also featured among the top six. These results demonstrate the lasting impact of his performances during some of the most successful years of his career.
Lionel Messi Finishes Second as Rivalry Continues
Messi secured second place with his extraordinary 2012 campaign, during which he scored a record 91 goals for club and country in a calendar year. The Argentine forward’s achievement remains one of the most remarkable individual scoring records in football and was a strong contender for the top position.
However, Ronaldo and Messi dominated the final rankings, with their respective campaigns occupying all ten positions in the top ten. Messi’s 2023 season finished fourth, followed by his 2015 campaign in seventh place. His 2011 and 2009 seasons also made the list. The B.O.A.T. voting format differs from the traditional Ballon d’Or, which is decided by an international panel of journalists. The new initiative allowed fans to participate in selecting the most outstanding Ballon d’Or-winning season from a shortlist of football legends.
Although Ronaldo’s victory adds another achievement to his celebrated career, the result reflects the outcome of a fan vote rather than a definitive judgment on the debate over football’s greatest player. Both Ronaldo and Messi continue to enjoy extraordinary legacies, and the latest rankings provide fans with another reason to discuss their historic rivalry.
