Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi to Win Inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time

Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten long-time rival Lionel Messi to win the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.), with fans voting his outstanding 2007-08 season at Manchester United as the greatest individual campaign in the history of the prestigious award.

The Portuguese superstar received widespread congratulations from the Portugal Football Federation and his former clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid, following the latest recognition of his remarkable career.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, topped the fan vote ahead of nine other multiple-time winners of football’s most prestigious individual award. His campaign with Manchester United in the 2007-08 season secured the top spot, with Messi’s extraordinary 2012 season finishing second.

During that memorable campaign, Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions and played a decisive role in Manchester United’s Premier League and UEFA Champions League triumphs. His performances established him as one of the dominant forces in world football and laid the foundation for an era-defining rivalry with Messi.

The voting results were heavily dominated by the two superstars, whose individual seasons occupied the first 12 positions in the rankings.

Ballon d’Or of All Time: Full Rankings

The fan vote placed Ronaldo’s 2007-08 campaign at the top, followed by several of the finest seasons produced by Ronaldo and Messi.

What Is the Ballon d’Or of All Time?

The Ballon d’Or of All Time is a fan-driven initiative designed to identify the greatest individual season among legendary players who have won the Ballon d’Or more than twice.

Ten football greats were included in the contest, with supporters invited to choose the campaign they considered the best in the award’s history.

The voting process began on October 1 and concluded on October 27, with Ronaldo’s 2007-08 season emerging as the overall winner.

The initiative was not intended to introduce a new official football award. Instead, it offered fans an opportunity to celebrate historic performances and express their views on the greatest individual campaigns in the game.

According to the Ballon d’Or’s explanation, the objective was not to create another official honour but to give fans a platform to share their choices and make their voices heard.

Ronaldo-Messi Rivalry Dominates the Results

The final rankings once again highlighted the extraordinary influence of Ronaldo and Messi on modern football. Their individual campaigns occupied the entire top 12, underlining the consistency and longevity that have defined their rivalry.

Ronaldo’s 2007-08 season stood out for its combination of goals, individual brilliance and team success. His contribution helped Manchester United conquer England and Europe, making the campaign one of the defining chapters of his career.

Messi, meanwhile, finished second with his remarkable 2012 campaign, while several other seasons from both players featured prominently in the top positions.

Beyond the two modern icons, the rankings also recognised legendary figures such as Ronaldo Nazário, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Marco van Basten, Kevin Keegan, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Although the B.O.A.T. carries no official trophy, the fan vote provides another platform for football supporters to debate the greatest individual seasons produced by some of the sport’s most celebrated players.

For Ronaldo, the result adds another distinction to an already extraordinary career, while the close historical comparison with Messi ensures that the debate over football’s greatest player will continue.