Cristiano Ronaldo pips Lionel Messi in Ballon d'Or BOAT award as fans have their say on greatest all-time winner

Throughout their time as football rivals, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were neck-and-neck at the top of the global game.

For over a decade, the two had a stranglehold on the Ballon d'Or, with the two winning every single trophy from 2008 to 2017, plus three of the next five.

Now, their place as two of the greatest to ever live has been further cemented by a new fan award created by France Football, called the "Ballon d'Or of all-time," or BOAT for short. Unsurprisingly, the two dominated the top of the voting charts, selecting the best individual success story in the history of the iconic award.

Ronaldo has been named the ultimate winner, while Messi was also right near the top of the list.

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Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or of all time award for 2008 season

Cristiano Ronaldo was named "Ballon d'Or of all-time" winner by France Football in an award decided by a fan vote.

Throughout the Ballon d'Or award ceremony on Monday, October 26, host Kate Scott repeatedly informed viewers that a fan vote was live to select the "Ballon d'Or of all-time," billed as a vote for the single best Ballon d'Or award winner.

That was determined to be Cristiano Ronaldo, specifically his 2008 victory, above Lionel Messi's record-setting 2012 campaign. In fact, the entire top-five list was either Ronaldo or Messi wins.

Top 5 Ballon d'Or of all time voting

Cristiano Ronaldo (2008)
Lionel Messi (2012)
Cristiano Ronaldo (2017)
Lionel Messi (2023)
Cristiano Ronaldo (2016)

Cristiano Ronaldo 2008 vs. Lionel Messi 2012 goals, stats compared

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 Ballon d'Or win was just as much to do with accomplishments in late 2007 as they were to do with his 2008 calendar year achievements.

Through the 2007/08 club season, Ronaldo won the double with Manchester United, and finished the year as Premier League and UEFA Champions League top goal scorer. Still, his 35 goals in the 2008 calendar year are dwarfed by the unthinkable 91 that Messi scored in his 2012 stretch, with 79 goals for Barcelona and 12 for Argentina.