Ronaldo B.O.A.T. Award has made headlines after Cristiano Ronaldo was named the winner of the first Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote. The award was launched by UEFA and France Football to recognise the greatest season by a Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign with Manchester United finished ahead of Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 2012 season in the fan vote, according to the supplied report.

The result puts Ronaldo’s memorable season in the spotlight once again. In 2008, the Portuguese forward scored 42 goals across all competitions and helped Manchester United win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo’s Outstanding 2008 Season

Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign was one of the most successful seasons of his career. He scored 31 goals in the Premier League, winning the league’s Golden Boot as Manchester United secured the title.

He also played a major role in the club’s Champions League campaign. Ronaldo scored in the final against Chelsea in Moscow. The match ended in a penalty shootout, where Manchester United won the trophy.

His performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008. It was the beginning of a collection that later grew to five awards. Ronaldo went on to win the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

The B.O.A.T. fan vote recognised this specific season rather than Ronaldo’s entire career. His combination of goals, team trophies and individual success made 2008 a standout year for the Manchester United star.

Messi’s Record-Breaking 2012 Campaign

Lionel Messi finished second in the vote with his 2012 season. The Argentine forward scored 91 goals for club and country during that calendar year, setting a record that remains one of football’s most remarkable individual achievements.

Messi’s 2012 campaign was a strong contender because of his extraordinary scoring record and his influence on Barcelona’s attack. He later won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have been at the centre of football’s biggest individual award discussions for many years. Their repeated success has shaped an era of the sport, with fans often comparing their goals, trophies and playing styles.

Ronaldo and Messi Dominate the Top 10

The final B.O.A.T. rankings were dominated by Ronaldo and Messi. The two players occupied all ten positions, with five seasons from each player making the list.

The reported top 10 rankings were:

Rank	Player	Season
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	2008
2	Lionel Messi	2012
3	Cristiano Ronaldo	2017
4	Lionel Messi	2023
5	Cristiano Ronaldo	2016
6	Cristiano Ronaldo	2014
7	Lionel Messi	2015
8	Cristiano Ronaldo	2013
9	Lionel Messi	2011
10	Lionel Messi	2009

Ronaldo’s 2017 campaign ranked third, while Messi’s 2023 season came fourth. The list also included Ronaldo’s 2016, 2014 and 2013 seasons, along with Messi’s 2015, 2011 and 2009 campaigns.

What Is the B.O.A.T. Award?

The B.O.A.T. initiative was launched as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or. It invited fans to select the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season from a group of players who had won the award at least twice.

The shortlist reportedly included football legends such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ronaldo Nazario.

The award focuses on individual seasons rather than the full careers of the players. This distinction is important because the result reflects the fans’ choice of the most outstanding Ballon d’Or-winning campaign, not an official decision about the greatest footballer of all time.

Ronaldo’s victory therefore celebrates his 2008 season as the most popular choice in the poll. It adds another honour to a career that has included major club trophies, international success and a long-running rivalry with Messi.