France Football has clarified that its new Ballon d’Or Of All Time (BOAT) fan-voting initiative is not a revival of the Super Ballon d’Or and will not award a physical trophy.
The organisation made the statement amid confusion among fans over the poll, launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or just days before this year’s ceremony on Monday, October 26.
The BOAT invites supporters to choose the best individual season among 10 multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners. Nominees include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, Marco van Basten, Michel Platini, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.
Unlike traditional awards, the poll compares specific campaigns rather than entire careers or total Ballon d’Or titles. Fans can vote for one euro each, with no limit on the number of votes.
“The BOAT is an exclusively public vote designed to celebrate the passion of our fans. It is not a physical trophy or an official award presented at our ceremony,” France Football said. “The final results, as chosen by the fans, will be announced on October 28.”
The organisation stressed that the initiative should not be confused with the Super Ballon d’Or, an exceptional honour awarded only once in December 1989 to the best multiple-time winner of the preceding three decades. Di Stefano received that distinction ahead of other greats including Cruyff and Platini. No further edition has been staged.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 season with Manchester United currently leads the BOAT poll with 75 per cent of the votes, while Messi’s 2012 and 2013 campaigns trail with nine per cent each.
France Football said the clarification aims to ensure the fan-driven poll is not mistaken for an official historical award.
