Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten longtime rival Lionel Messi in a fan poll to determine the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season of all time, with his outstanding 2008 campaign at Manchester United emerging as the top choice.
Key Highlights
- Ronaldo’s 2008 Manchester United season was voted the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season.
- Messi’s 2012 campaign came second, Ronaldo’s 2017 third and Messi’s 2023 fourth.
- The B.O.A.T. poll marks the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or.
- Messi still holds the record with eight men’s Ballon d’Or titles to Ronaldo’s five.
- Fans could pay to vote multiple times, and 5,009 participants voted more than once.
The final results, announced on October 28, 2026, ranked Ronaldo’s 2008 season first, ahead of Messi’s record-breaking 2012 campaign. Ronaldo’s 2017 season placed third, while Messi’s 2023 campaign finished fourth.
The Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) initiative was introduced by France Football to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the prestigious individual football award.
The poll invited fans to select the greatest season among players who had won the men’s Ballon d’Or at least twice.
Ronaldo’s Landmark 2007/08 Season
Ronaldo’s 2007/08 campaign was a landmark period in his career. He scored 42 goals across all competitions and played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s Premier League and UEFA Champions League triumphs.
His remarkable performances that season earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, establishing him among the leading players in world football.
Messi, however, retains the record for the most men’s Ballon d’Or titles, having won the award eight times, compared with Ronaldo’s five.
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Not An Official Verdict
Despite Ronaldo’s victory in the fan poll, the result does not constitute an official award or a definitive judgment on which of the two football icons is greater.
The voting process allowed supporters to pay to cast multiple votes, with organisers reporting that 5,009 participants voted more than once.
The outcome provides another talking point in the enduring rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi, whose achievements have shaped an era of modern football and continued to fuel debates among fans over their respective legacies.
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