Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi to win the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, with his 2008 campaign at Manchester United finishing ahead of the Argentine’s record-breaking 2012 season.

Ronaldo claimed the top spot after a memorable season in England, in which he scored 42 goals across all competitions and helped Manchester United win both the Premier League and the Champions League. Messi finished second with his 2012 campaign, while Ronaldo’s 2017 season took third place.

The final rankings were dominated by the two long-time rivals, who shared all 10 places on the list. Ronaldo occupied five positions, with his campaigns from 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013 making the cut. Messi filled the remaining five spots with his seasons from 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011 and 2009.

Ronaldo's first Ballon d’Or-winning campaign remains one of the defining seasons of his career. The Portuguese forward scored 31 goals in the Premier League alone, winning the Golden Boot as Manchester United secured the league title.

He also played a key role in United’s Champions League triumph, scoring in the final against Chelsea in Moscow. United eventually lifted the trophy after winning the penalty shootout.Those performances earned Ronaldo his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, the beginning of a collection that would grow to five awards.

He later won the honour in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Messi’s 2012 campaign was a formidable contender. The Barcelona forward scored 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year, setting a record that remains one of football’s most remarkable individual achievements. He finished second in the B.O.A.T. vote despite going on to win a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

FULL B.O.A.T. TOP 10 RANKINGS

The final list placed Ronaldo and Messi in every position, leaving the other eight nominated legends outside the top 10.

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

WHAT IS THE B.O.A.T. AWARD?

The B.O.A.T. initiative was launched as part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or. It invited fans to select the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season from 10 players who had won the award at least twice.

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

The distinction is important: fans were voting for individual seasons, not choosing the greatest footballer across an entire career. Ronaldo’s victory therefore recognises his 2008 campaign as the most popular choice in this poll, rather than serving as an official verdict on the long-running debate over whether he or Messi is the greatest player of all time.

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