Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or Voted the Greatest of All Time
Cristiano Ronaldo earned recognition for the greatest Ballon d'Or of all time after winning a fan vote organized by France Football. His historic 2008 season with Manchester United beat out the best campaigns of Lionel Messi and other soccer legends.
Cristiano Ronaldo added another achievement to his extraordinary career after his 2008 Ballon d'Or was voted the greatest of all time.
The Portuguese superstar topped the BOAT (Ballon d'Or of All Time) poll, held throughout October on the official Ballon d'Or website and promoted by France Football magazine.
The initiative allowed fans to compare some of the most remarkable individual seasons in soccer history.
The result placed Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Lionel Messi, whose historic 2012 campaign finished in second place.
It is important to note that the recognition does not include a physical trophy, as it is a symbolic distinction determined by fan voting.
Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or Voted the Greatest?
The 2007–08 season marked one of the defining moments of Cristiano Ronaldo's career, as he delivered outstanding performances for Manchester United before becoming a global soccer legend.
During that campaign, the Portuguese forward won the Premier League and Champions League, as well as the Community Shield.
His goalscoring ability was equally decisive. He finished as the Premier League's leading scorer with 31 goals, a tally that also earned him the European Golden Shoe.
Those performances helped him win his first Ballon d'Or in 2008, while he was still playing for the Red Devils.
Nearly two decades later, that season remains a benchmark for the greatest individual performances in modern soccer.
How Did the Greatest Ballon d'Or of All Time Voting Finish?
The rankings featured different award-winning seasons from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who occupied all ten of the top positions.
The final standings were as follows:
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008
- Lionel Messi — 2012
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2017
- Lionel Messi — 2013
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2016
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2014
- Lionel Messi — 2015
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2013
- Lionel Messi — 2011
- Lionel Messi — 2009
How Many People Participated in the Vote?
According to the figures released, 5,009 fans participated in the poll organized by France Football.
Each vote cost one euro, equivalent to approximately $1.12.
Other legendary players considered in the voting included Ronaldo Nazário, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Marco van Basten, and Michel Platini.
The recognition comes shortly after Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, once again highlighting the award's significance in international soccer.
Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo won the BOAT vote with his 2008 Ballon d'Or.
- Lionel Messi finished second with his historic 2012 season.
- 5,009 fans participated, with each vote costing one euro.
- The recognition is symbolic and does not include a physical trophy.
- In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Premier League, Champions League, and European Golden Shoe.
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi occupied all ten of the top positions in the rankings.
