Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Lionel Messi, Wins Ballon d’Or of All Time Award

Last Updated:October 29, 2026, 08:14 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or of All Time award, following a month-long voting process.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’or five times in his career. (AP Photo)

The fans have given, or rather, ‘voted’ their verdict.

After a month-long voting, Cristiano Ronaldo has pipped Lionel Messi to win the ‘Ballon d’Or of All Time’ award, or the BOAT.

Wait, what’s BOAT?

Well, it’s a unique initiative taken by France Football – the French magazine that presents the Ballon d’Or award – to provide football fans from across the world with a chance to pick the greatest Ballon d’Or award winner.

Voting began at the beginning of October, with voters asked to pick from 10 players who have won the Ballon d’Or award multiple times in their career.

However, to take part in the voting process, the voters had to pay, which would also make them eligible to enter a draw, the winner of which will attend the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Notably, Lionel Messi, who has won this award a record eight times in his career, came second.

Ronaldo polled in the most votes for his 2007-08 season with Manchester United when he won his maiden Ballon d’Or award. During that remarkable season, he scored 42 goals in all competitions for the Premier League giants, which helped him become the fourth Manchester United star to win the prestigious award after George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

BOAT Voting Results

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

11. Lionel Messi 2019

12. Lionel Messi 2021

13. Ronaldo Nazário 2002

14. Lionel Messi 2010

15. Ronaldo Nazário 1997

16. Kevin Keegan 1979

17. Johan Cruyff 1974

18. Michel Platini 1984

19. Franz Beckenbauer 1976

20. Marco van Basten 1988

21. Johan Cruyff 1971

22. Johan Cruyff 1973

23. Franz Beckenbauer 1972

24. Michel Platini 1985

25. Marco van Basten 1989

26. Alfredo Di Stéfano 1957

27. Kevin Keegan 1978

28. Marco van Basten 1992

29. Michel Platini 1983

30. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 1981

31. Alfredo Di Stéfano 1959

32. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 1980

Meanwhile, Harry Kane recently won the men’s 2026 Ballon d’Or award following an outstanding season with club and country. He scored 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich and six goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup where England reached the semifinals.

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What is the Ballon d’Or of All Time (BOAT) award?

The BOAT is a unique initiative by France Football allowing fans worldwide to vote for the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time from a select group of multiple-time winners.

Who won the Ballon d’Or of All Time award?

Cristiano Ronaldo won the BOAT award after a month-long fan vote, beating out runner-up Lionel Messi.

Which specific season of Cristiano Ronaldo received the most votes?

Cristiano Ronaldo polled the most votes for his 2007-08 season with Manchester United, during which he scored 42 goals and won his maiden Ballon d’Or.

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Feroz KhanPrincipal Correspondent

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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