Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly thanked supporters across the globe after his 2008 campaign was selected as the top‑ever season in the historic Ballon d'Or award during a fan‑driven poll celebrating the trophy’s 70th anniversary. The Portuguese forward posted a message on X, dedicating the accolade to football fans and emphasizing that the sport belongs to them.
What was the BOAT poll?
The "Ballon d'Or of All Time" (BOAT) vote was organised by France Football and ran from 1 October to 27 October 2026. Fans were asked to choose the Ballon d'Or‑winning season they considered the finest. The results were announced on 28 October, with Ronaldo’s 2008 season emerging as the winner.
Key figures from the poll
- Ronaldo’s 2008 season received the highest number of votes, edging out Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign, which placed second.
- Ronaldo’s 2017 season was third, while Messi’s 2023 season took fourth place.
- The top five also featured Messi’s 2015, 2011 and 2009 seasons, and Ronaldo’s 2016, 2014 and 2013 campaigns.
- The poll was purely celebratory; it did not create a new physical Ballon d'Or trophy.
Why was 2008 so special for Ronaldo?
During the 2007‑08 campaign with Manchester United, the 41‑year‑old striker netted 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League and seven in the UEFA Champions League. United secured both the Premier League title and the Champions League, with Ronaldo scoring in the final against Chelsea. His league haul earned him the European Golden Shoe, and he later lifted his first Ballon d'Or that year.
Ronaldo later added four more Ballon d'Or trophies in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, bringing his career total to five. Following the BOAT announcement, he posted on X: “Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon d’Or of All Time is also yours.”
The BOAT poll highlighted the enduring passion of football supporters and underscored the lasting impact of Ronaldo’s 2008 season on the sport’s history.