Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Inaugural B.O.A.T. Fan Vote Ahead of Lionel Messi

According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo has won the inaugural Ballon d'Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, with his 2008 season at Manchester United finishing ahead of Lionel Messi's 2012 campaign. The initiative was launched by UEFA and France Football.

Readers can verify the original announcement through official UEFA and France Football channels and publications.

Fan Vote Results and Rankings

The final rankings in the B.O.A.T. fan vote were shared exclusively between Ronaldo and Messi, occupying all top 10 spots and leaving eight other nominated football legends outside the list.

• 1st Place: Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, Manchester United)
• 2nd Place: Lionel Messi (2012, Barcelona)
• 3rd Place: Cristiano Ronaldo (2017, Real Madrid)

Ronaldo secured five positions on the list (2008, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2013), while Messi claimed the remaining five spots (2012, 2023, 2015, 2011, and 2009).

Understanding the B.O.A.T. Initiative

• Purpose: The award was created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or.
• Criteria: Fans voted on specific individual seasons from players who had won the Ballon d'Or at least twice, rather than rating an entire career.
• Shortlist: Nominees included football greats such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stefano, Kevin Keegan, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Ronaldo Nazario.