Ronaldo's 2008 voted best Ballon d'Or ever, ahead of Messi's 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or has been named the finest in the award's history by supporters taking part in the B.O.A.T. vote, short for Ballon d'Or of All Time and organised for the prize's 70th anniversary. The result, announced on 28 October 2026, put the Portuguese forward's 2007-08 season with Manchester United ahead of Lionel Messi's 2012 with Barcelona.

According to Sporx, fans picked from the award-winning seasons of 10 players from different eras who had each lifted the Ballon d'Or at least once. The vote is a celebration of the trophy's history and does not alter the official Ballon d'Or record. No vote totals or percentages have been published.

Who stood out in the B.O.A.T. standings?

Every place in the B.O.A.T. top 10 went to a Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi season. In the standings reported by TNT Sports, each player has five entries. Ronaldo's 2008 sits at the top and Messi's 2012 second, while winners from other eras missed out on the top 10.

Why did Ronaldo's 2007-08 season win?

In 2007-08 Ronaldo won both the Premier League and the Champions League with Manchester United. Sporx notes he scored 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League to take the Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe, plus 8 in the Champions League, more than anyone else in the competition. TNT Sports points out he finished seven goals clear of Fernando Torres in the scoring charts and hit a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Newcastle United.

The campaign peaked at the Champions League final in Moscow, where Ronaldo scored in normal time against Chelsea before United won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. That season earned him his first Ballon d'Or in December 2008; his other four came during his Real Madrid years.

Why did Messi's 2012 finish second?

Lionel Messi's 2012 finished runner-up. The Argentine's year at Barcelona is remembered for his calendar-year scoring record. Messi leads the overall Ballon d'Or count with 8 wins to Ronaldo's 5, but on a single-season basis fans chose Ronaldo's Manchester United campaign. Sporx also stresses that the B.O.A.T. is separate from the Super Ballon d'Or once awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Where does Cristiano Ronaldo play now?

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and won the league title with the club last season. ScoreLab data shows 4 goals in 9 league games in 2026/27. His most recent outing was a 3-1 away win over Al-Faisaly on 23 October 2026, in which he scored. His Al Nassr contract runs until 30 June 2027.