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🚨 OFFICIAL: CRISTIANO RONALDO’S 2008 BALLON D’OR VOTED THE BEST OF ALL TIME
Portuguese superstar beats Lionel Messi’s iconic 2012 season in a global fan poll
Cristiano Ronaldo has received another major recognition in his legendary career after his 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season was voted the greatest Ballon d’Or triumph of all time in a public poll organised through the award’s official platform.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 28, following a month-long voting exercise celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or. The initiative, known as the Ballon d’Or of All Time (BOAT), invited fans to choose the most outstanding season among some of football’s greatest Ballon d’Or winners.
Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign finished ahead of Lionel Messi’s remarkable 2012 season, with the Portuguese forward’s first Ballon d’Or triumph receiving 75 per cent of the votes, compared with Messi’s nine per cent.
WHY RONALDO’S 2008 SEASON STOOD OUT
During the 2007/08 season, Ronaldo was at the heart of Manchester United’s success in English and European football.
The forward scored 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League, as Manchester United won the English league title and the UEFA Champions League.
He also finished as the Premier League’s leading scorer, won the European Golden Shoe and scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea, which United eventually won on penalties. His outstanding performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or later that year.
The season marked a defining moment in Ronaldo’s development from an exciting young winger into one of the most feared attacking players in world football.
RONALDO VS MESSI: HOW THE TOP 10 FINISHED
The final BOAT rankings highlighted the extraordinary influence of Ronaldo and Messi on modern football, with both legends occupying all 10 positions.
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
A FAN RECOGNITION, NOT A NEW PHYSICAL TROPHY
Although the result has generated excitement among football supporters, the BOAT initiative is a fan-voting exercise rather than a new official Ballon d’Or trophy.
The organisers created the poll to allow fans to compare historic Ballon d’Or-winning seasons. It should not be confused with the Super Ballon d’Or, a separate distinction awarded only once, in 1989.
ANOTHER CHAPTER IN FOOTBALL’S GREATEST RIVALRY
Ronaldo’s victory adds another chapter to the long-running debate surrounding his rivalry with Messi. While Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, Ronaldo’s 2008 season has now received the strongest support in this particular fan poll.
For Manchester United supporters, the result is a reminder of a campaign in which Ronaldo helped deliver domestic and European glory. For football fans generally, it offers another opportunity to debate which individual season deserves the highest place in the sport’s history.
By Olawale Hamzat Top Striker
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