Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to win Ballon d'Or BOAT Award
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The award was decided by fan votes.
Cristiano Ronaldo beat his arch-rival Lionel Messi to win the inaugural edition of the Ballon d’Or BOAT Award on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The award, which is an acronym for the Ballon d’Or of All Time (BOAT), was awarded to Ronaldo for his 2008 award-winning season.
Unlike the main Ballon d’Or, the BOAT Award was not decided by journalists. Instead, it was decided by fan votes, with Ronaldo’s 2007-08 season being the fans’ choice for the greatest campaign in the history of the prestigious football honour.
It is important to note that the award was based on individual seasons, not the players’ entire careers. The award was introduced by France Football to mark the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary. Each fan vote cost one euro, with multiple votes being allowed.
Also Read: What is Ballon d’Or BOAT Award?
Ronaldo’s 2008 win clinches BOAT Award
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Ronaldo finished in first place based on fan votes for his 2008 campaign. That season, the former Real Madrid forward scored an astonishing 42 goals across all competitions for Manchester United, leading them to both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. As a result, he won the first of his five Ballon d’Or awards.
In second place in the public voting was Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign. That year, the Argentine maestro won his second Ballon d’Or award after scoring a historic 91 goals across the calendar year, a record that remains unmatched to this day. Despite this milestone, he could not surpass Ronaldo.
The shortlist for the award contained several legends, including Ronaldo Nazario, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stefano, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Kevin Keegan and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
However, the top 12 entries contained only Ronaldo and Messi. In fact, Ronaldo Nazario was the only other player represented among the top 15 entries.
Who won the Ballon d’Or BOAT Award 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo won the award on October 28, 2026, for his 2008 season, following a fan vote.
What is the Ballon d’Or BOAT Award?
The BOAT Award stands for Ballon d’Or of All Time and recognises the greatest individual season in the history of the football award.
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