Ronaldo crowned greatest Ballon d'Or winner of all time by fans, ahead of Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time by fans in an online vote organized by France Football on the sidelines of the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening in London. The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward finished ahead of Lionel Messi in a poll open to supporters worldwide.

The “BOAT” — Best Of All Time — concept involved ranking winners who had claimed the Ballon d’Or at least twice. Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph garnered the most votes, allowing him to appear in both first and third position with his 2017 title. Messi takes second place with his 2012 Ballon d’Or and fourth with his 2023 award. Between them, the Portuguese player (5 titles) and the Argentine (8 titles) occupy all twelve of the top positions in this ranking.

“Football belongs to the fans,” Ronaldo reacted on Instagram. “Thank you to all supporters around the world, the Ballon d’Or Of All Time is yours too.” The Seleção captain had been crowned in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

This honorary title will not, however, join CR7’s trophy cabinet. France Football clarified that the “BOAT” does not constitute a re-edition of the Super Ballon d’Or, the prize awarded only once to Alfredo Di Stefano in 1989. The distinction therefore remains symbolic, which has disappointed some of his admirers — especially since Ronaldo was not among the thirty candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.