Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the winner of the Ballon d’Or of All Time award, surpassing Lionel Messi in a public poll. The decision was based on fan voting, with Ronaldo’s 2008 season at Manchester United placed above Messi’s 2012 campaign. The top five included three of Ronaldo’s seasons and two of Messi’s.
The vote, which was the first of its kind, asked fans to select the best Ballon d’Or-winning season in history. Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign, during which he scored 42 goals for Manchester United, was chosen as the best. Messi’s 2012 season, in which he won the award while playing for Barcelona, came in second.
The result has reignited the long-standing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time. While Messi has won the Ballon d’Or six times, Ronaldo has claimed the honor five times. The vote highlights the differing opinions of fans on which player’s career had the most impact.
The Ballon d’Or of All Time award was introduced to recognize the best single season in the history of the award. The decision was based on a global poll, with over 100,000 votes cast. The outcome has sparked discussions among football fans and analysts, with some arguing that the vote reflects the popularity of Ronaldo’s early career.
This decision marks a significant moment in football history, as it challenges the perception of Messi’s dominance in the sport. The result underscores the subjective nature of such awards and the influence of fan preferences on historical rankings.
