Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award following a global supporter poll organised to mark the 70th anniversary of the prestigious individual honour.

The voting, conducted via the official Ballon d'Or platform, crowned Ronaldo’s triumphant 2007/08 season with Manchester United as the greatest individual campaign in the trophy's history, edging past Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 91-goal year for Barcelona in 2012.

The public vote concluded shortly after England captain Harry Kane received the 2026 Golden Ball in London. To qualify for the B.O.A.T. shortlist, footballers were required to have won the primary accolade at least twice during their careers. Distinct from the historic Super Ballon d’Or, this tribute solely evaluated individual winning years.

Ronaldo’s 2008 performance remains an iconic benchmark in modern football. During that campaign, the Portuguese forward propelled Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double, netting 42 goals across all competitions. His individual dominance yielded a sweep of major honours, including the European Golden Shoe, FIFA World Player of the Year, PFA Players' Player of the Year, and his first of five Ballon d'Or trophies.

The final standings were completely dominated by the two long-standing rivals, who swept the top 10 positions. Ronaldo captured five spots with his winning campaigns from 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2013, whilst Messi took the remaining five positions for his defining seasons in 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011, and 2009. (Compiled)