Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph secures BOAT honour in Ballon d’Or legends vote

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the winner of the BOAT award, created by UEFA and France Football to identify the greatest player among Ballon d’Or winners.

The Portugal forward prevailed over long-time rival Lionel Messi and a group of football legends in a public vote conducted on the official Ballon d’Or website. Ronaldo’s victory was based on his 2008 Ballon d’Or triumph, achieved while he was playing for Manchester United.

Each vote cost one euro, with the poll closing in the early hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. Voters were also entered into a draw for two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, finished second with his 2012 edition of the award. Ronaldo also appeared in third place, represented by his 2017 victory.

Ronaldo and Messi lead field of greats

UEFA and France Football invited fans to select the BOAT winner – an abbreviation of “best of all time” – from a shortlist of 10 players who had each won the Ballon d’Or at least twice.

The nominees included Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, and Messi, who has claimed the honour eight times.

The list also featured Netherlands greats Marco van Basten and Johan Cruyff, as well as France’s Michel Platini. Each of Van Basten, Cruyff and Platini won three Ballon d’Or titles.

Brazilian Ronaldo, Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer, England’s Kevin Keegan, Argentina’s Alfredo Di Stefano and Germany’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge were also included after winning the award twice apiece.

First Ballon d’Or began Ronaldo’s run

Ronaldo collected his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 after an outstanding spell with Manchester United. He finished ahead of Messi and Spain forward Fernando Torres in that year’s voting.

The Portuguese subsequently added four more Ballon d’Or awards to his record. He won in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, with all four successes coming during his time at Real Madrid.

The BOAT voting process required participants to pay one euro, while the accompanying prize draw offered the chance to attend the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The latest Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player was won by Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich and England striker. He received the 2026 award at a ceremony held in London on Monday.