Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign has been voted the best Ballon d’Or-winning season of all time in a fan poll organised by France Football, the organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
The Ballon d’Or Of All Time (BOAT) initiative, launched to mark the award’s 70th anniversary, saw more than 5,000 votes cast. Fans selected the outstanding individual season among multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners.
Ronaldo’s 2008 season with Manchester United finished first. Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign placed second, followed by Ronaldo’s 2017 season in third.
The full top 10 ranking was:
Cristiano Ronaldo 2008
Lionel Messi 2012
Cristiano Ronaldo 2017
Lionel Messi 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo 2014
Lionel Messi 2015
Cristiano Ronaldo 2013
Lionel Messi 2011
Lionel Messi 2009
Further down the list, Ronaldo Nazário’s 2002 and 1997 seasons ranked 13th and 15th respectively, while classic campaigns by Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Marco van Basten and others also featured.
France Football had earlier stressed that the BOAT was a public vote designed to celebrate fans’ passion and was not an official award or physical trophy. Results were announced on October 28 as scheduled.
