The B.O.A.T. award was introduced to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or, providing a platform for supporters to vote for the most impressive individual performance ever recognized by the award. To be eligible for consideration, players were required to have won the Ballon d'Or at least twice during their careers. The organization clarified that this new accolade is distinct from the Super Ballon d'Or.
A Defining Season at Old Trafford
Ronaldo’s 2008 season is widely regarded as the catalyst for his rise to global superstardom. During that 2007/08 campaign, he was instrumental in leading Manchester United to a prestigious double, securing both the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy. His output was prolific, as he recorded 42 goals and 8 assists across all competitions.
The individual recognition he received that year was unprecedented. Ronaldo swept the major honors, claiming the Premier League Golden Boot, the Champions League Top Scorer award, and the European Golden Shoe. His domestic and international dominance was further reflected in his haul of individual accolades, including the Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Players' Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, and the FIFA World Player of the Year.
The Rivalry Defined by the Top Ten
The final voting results underscored the enduring rivalry between the two football icons, as Ronaldo and Messi occupied every position in the top ten list. Ronaldo’s consistency was highlighted by his presence in five of those spots, with his campaigns from 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 also earning recognition alongside his winning 2008 season.
Messi, who holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or wins, claimed the other five positions in the top ten. His 2012 season, which saw him score 91 goals in a single calendar year, was his highest-ranked entry, followed by his performances in 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2023. The announcement of the B.O.A.T. winner followed closely on the heels of the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Harry Kane was awarded the Golden Ball.
