Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to claim ultimate Ballon d’Or crown

Cristiano Ronaldo pipped long-time rival 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 earning him the title. The B.O.A.T. was introduced to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d’Or, allowing the fans to pick the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season from 10 players who had won the award at least twice. However, it turned into a battle of Ronaldo vs Messi as the two legends occupied all 10 rankings, with other shortlist legends, including Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Ronaldo Nazario, failing to make the cut.

For the unversed, Ronaldo had a stellar run in 2008, where he scored 42 goals across all competitions and helped Manchester United win the Premier League and the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Messi finished second to Ronaldo in the rankings, with his 2012 campaign voted second best. Messi recorded a historic feat that year, scoring 91 goals for his club and country, breaking a Guinness World Records record. Ronaldo's 2017 campaign ranked third in the poll.

Ronaldo and Messi equally divided the top 10 positions, with Ronaldo's campaigns from 2008, 2017, 2016, 2014 and 2013 making the cut. Messi, on the other hand, entered the list for his performances in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2023

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.

Full B.O.A.T Rankings

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

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