Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Fan-Voted Ballon d’Or of All Time, Edging Out Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award, beating long-time rival Lionel Messi in a global fan vote organised by France Football to mark the prize’s 70th anniversary.

The recognition went to Ronaldo’s 2008 season at Manchester United, a campaign in which he scored 42 goals across all competitions and led the club to a Premier League and Champions League double.

Messi’s 2012 calendar year, during which he scored a record 91 goals for Barcelona, finished second.

The final rankings were dominated entirely by the two players, who swept all top ten positions.

Ronaldo took five spots with his winning campaigns from 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013, while Messi claimed the remaining five for 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011 and 2009.

Ronaldo Nazario’s 2002 triumph was the first non-Ronaldo or Messi entry, placing 13th.

The Portugal Football Federation celebrated the result on social media, writing: “From 2008 to eternity. The greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time is Portuguese. Congratulations, captain!”.

Manchester United and Real Madrid, two of Ronaldo’s former clubs, also acknowledged the recognition.

The voting ran from October 1 to 27, with fans required to pay one euro to participate, which also entered them into a draw to attend the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

France Football reported that around 5,000 fans purchased votes, with some buying up to two.

It is important to note that the B.O.A.T. is a fan poll and not an official Ballon d’Or title.

France Football clarified that the recognition does not come with a physical trophy and does not alter the official palmarès, distinguishing it from the Super Ballon d’Or, which is decided by a panel of experts.

Messi remains the record holder for the most official Ballon d’Or awards with eight, compared to Ronaldo’s five.

The result was announced shortly after England captain Harry Kane received the 2026 Ballon d’Or in London.