Paris, France — France Football magazine recently conducted a special global election, culminating in the announcement that Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or triumph has been voted the best in the award’s extensive history. This prestigious recognition marks Ronaldo’s inaugural Ballon d’Or win, achieved while he was playing for Manchester United.
To commemorate its rich legacy, France Football, the creators of the Ballon d’Or, launched a unique initiative dubbed the “B.O.A.T” — an acronym for the ‘Best Ballon d’Or Of All Time’. This special recognition is distinct from the annual Ballon d’Or award, which is typically decided by a jury comprising 100 international sports journalists.
Unlike the traditional format, the B.O.A.T award’s recipient was determined entirely by a global vote from football supporters worldwide. Fans were invited to cast their votes, deciding on the most iconic Ballon d’Or win in history. The competition for this unique honor was exclusively open to players who have won the Ballon d’Or at least twice in their careers.
According to an announcement made live on the Ballon d’Or website, the 2008 victory for Cristiano Ronaldo, his first of what would become a remarkable collection, emerged as the fans’ preferred choice. It notably surpassed Lionel Messi’s 2012 Ballon d’Or win in the popular vote, solidifying its place as the supporters’ ultimate historical pick.
In the broader context of the Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi continues to hold the record for the most wins, with a total of eight trophies to his name. Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely as the second-most decorated player, having secured the award five times during his illustrious career. This special fan vote celebrates not just individual excellence, but also the enduring impact and historical significance of particular Ballon d’Or moments.
