Ronaldo Beats Messi to Ballon d’Or of All Time Fan Vote

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or victory has emerged as the winner of the Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) public vote, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi’s 2012 triumph.

The result was announced on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by the organisers of the Ballon d’Or, following a public poll that allowed football fans to select the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season.

Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or victory, which he secured while playing for Manchester United in 2008, took the top position. Messi’s 2012 award finished second, while Ronaldo’s 2017 triumph placed third, according to reports on the result.

The B.O.A.T. vote was different from the traditional Ballon d’Or selection process, which is decided by journalists. The public poll allowed fans to choose their preferred winning season from a shortlist featuring footballers who had won the award multiple times.

The organisers launched the vote on October 1, with voting closing on October 27 before the final results were announced the following day.

The organisers had also clarified that the B.O.A.T. initiative was a public vote designed to celebrate fans’ connection with Ballon d’Or history, rather than the creation of a new official trophy.

Ronaldo and Messi have been central figures in football’s individual-award discussions for years, with their achievements continuing to attract debate among supporters around the world.