Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked supporters around the world after his 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season was voted the best in the award’s history in a fan poll.
Ronaldo expressed his appreciation in a social media post on Thursday, saying the recognition belonged to the supporters who have followed his career.
“Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours,” the forward wrote.
His message followed the announcement of the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time, known as B.O.A.T., which invited fans to select the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season from a group of previous winners.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported the result on X on Wednesday, announcing that Ronaldo’s 2008 season had topped the vote.
Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign finished second, while Ronaldo’s 2017 season also featured among the leading entries.
The result highlighted the Portuguese forward’s memorable 2007–08 campaign with Manchester United, when he scored 42 goals across all competitions and helped the club win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Ronaldo also won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008, marking a significant milestone in a career that would see him claim the individual honour five times.
His 2008 season faced competition from Messi’s outstanding 2012 campaign. The Argentine scored 91 goals for club and country during that calendar year, setting a remarkable goalscoring benchmark.
The B.O.A.T. poll offered supporters an opportunity to compare celebrated seasons from players who had won the Ballon d’Or multiple times. Its outcome reflected the preferences of participating fans rather than an official verdict on the greatest footballer of all time.
The fan-voted recognition is also distinct from the annual Ballon d’Or award, which follows its own established voting process. Reports indicated that the B.O.A.T. exercise did not include a separate trophy.
Ronaldo’s response focused on the role of supporters in the game, acknowledging the passion and loyalty of fans who have followed his performances across clubs and international football.
His message added another moment to the enduring debate surrounding football’s greatest players, with Ronaldo and Messi continuing to attract global attention for their achievements and historic rivalry.
By dedicating the recognition to supporters, Ronaldo presented the result as an honour shared with the people whose backing has accompanied his career.
