Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or Leads Fan Poll With 75% of Votes
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season is leading a global fan poll to determine the greatest performance by a Ballon d’Or winner of all time.
According to organisers, Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign has attracted 75 per cent of the votes cast so far in the Greatest Ballon d’Or of All Time (BOAT) poll. Voting remains open until October 27, 2026, while the final results are expected on October 28.
The poll invites football fans to select the most outstanding individual season among past winners of the prestigious award.
Messi’s 2012 Season Ranks Second
Lionel Messi’s 2012 Ballon d’Or-winning year is currently in second place, with nine per cent of the votes. Ronaldo’s 2017 triumph follows in third position with six per cent.
The current standings give the Portuguese forward two entries among the poll’s top three contenders.
Ronaldo’s 2008 season was particularly successful during his time at Manchester United. He helped the English club win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
He also won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 42 goals across all competitions. The Ballon d’Or award that year marked his first victory in the competition.
Messi’s 2012 campaign was equally remarkable. The Argentine forward scored 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year, a record that remains one of the most celebrated achievements in football.
Football Legends Feature in the Poll
Other former Ballon d’Or winners included in the vote are Ronaldo Nazário, Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, Kevin Keegan, Franz Beckenbauer and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
However, the organisers said these legendary players were trailing the leading contenders, with their combined share of votes remaining relatively small.
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They also clarified that the BOAT initiative is a public poll designed to celebrate football fans’ passion for the game. It is not an official football award or a separate Ballon d’Or trophy.
The standings could still change before voting closes on October 27.
How to Vote in the Ballon d’Or Poll
Fans can participate through the official Ballon d’Or website. According to the organisers, voters will receive a photograph of the first Ballon d’Or trophy, presented in 1956.
Participants will also be entered into a prize draw for a ticket to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The poll gives supporters an opportunity to compare outstanding individual seasons across different generations of football and decide which performance deserves the greatest recognition.
