Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2007-08 season with Manchester United topped Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign in a fan vote to select the greatest season by a multiple Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo scored 42 goals and helped United win the Premier League and Champions League titles during the campaign, which earned him his first Ballon d’Or in 2008.
The inaugural “Ballon d’Or of All Time” poll carries no trophy and does not constitute an official award. Fans voted from Oct. 1-27, choosing among 32 award-winning seasons by 10 players who each won the Ballon d’Or at least twice.
“It is not about creating a new official award, but about enabling fans to share their choice and make their voices heard,” organizers said.
Ronaldo and Messi dominated the results, accounting for the top 12 places. Ronaldo’s 2017 season finished third, followed by Messi’s 2023 campaign and Ronaldo’s 2016 season.
Brazilian striker Ronaldo was the highest-ranked player outside the leading pair, placing 13th for his 2002 season.
Portugal’s soccer federation and Ronaldo’s former clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid, congratulated the five-time Ballon d’Or winner following the result.
Full voting results
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008
- Lionel Messi — 2012
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2017
- Lionel Messi — 2023
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2016
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2014
- Lionel Messi — 2015
- Cristiano Ronaldo — 2013
- Lionel Messi — 2011
- Lionel Messi — 2009
- Lionel Messi — 2019
- Lionel Messi — 2021
- Ronaldo Nazario — 2002
- Lionel Messi — 2010
- Ronaldo Nazario — 1997
- Kevin Keegan — 1979
- Johan Cruyff — 1974
- Michel Platini — 1984
- Franz Beckenbauer — 1976
- Marco van Basten — 1988
- Johan Cruyff — 1971
- Johan Cruyff — 1973
- Franz Beckenbauer — 1972
- Michel Platini — 1985
- Marco van Basten — 1989
- Alfredo di Stefano — 1957
- Kevin Keegan — 1978
- Marco van Basten — 1992
- Michel Platini — 1983
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — 1981
- Alfredo di Stefano — 1959
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — 1980
source: ESPN, PNA
