LONDON : Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award for the greatest individual season in the history of the football honour, with fans selecting the Portuguese forward’s 2008 campaign ahead of Messi’s record-breaking 2012 year.
The award, introduced to mark the Ballon d’Or’s 70th anniversary, invited fans to choose the greatest season among players who had won the prestigious individual prize at least twice.
Ronaldo’s 2007-08 campaign with Manchester United was recognised for his role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League double, during which he scored 42 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions.
The forward also collected a host of individual honours, including the Premier League Golden Boot, Champions League top scorer award and European Golden Shoe. He was named Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year.
Messi’s 2012 campaign was Ronaldo’s closest rival, with the Argentine forward scoring a record 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year while playing for Barcelona and Argentina.
The final rankings were dominated by the two long-time rivals, who accounted for all 10 positions on the list.
Ronaldo occupied five places with his campaigns from 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013, while Messi’s selections included 2012, 2023, 2015, 2011 and 2009.
The B.O.A.T. award is separate from the Super Ballon d’Or, another distinction in the award’s history.
