Ronaldo’s 2008 season wins inaugural B.O.A.T. fan poll

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Manchester United season finished first in the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time fan poll, ahead of Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign, organisers announced. Ronaldo’s 2017 season ranked third. The B.O.A.T. poll asked fans to choose the greatest individual season by a Ballon d’Or winner. It was separate from the traditional Ballon d’Or, which is decided by journalists, and did not change the official record of Ballon d’Or awards. Ten players who had won the award at least twice were eligible. Ronaldo thanked supporters after the result, writing on Instagram: “Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours.” His 2008 campaign earned him his first Ballon d’Or. That season, Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions as Manchester United won the Premier League and Champions League. Messi’s second-place 2012 campaign included 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year. The ranking reflects the poll’s submitted votes, rather than a definitive comparison of the two players or their careers. The online vote allowed participants to pay one euro per ballot and vote more than once....