Cristiano Ronaldo’s maiden 2008 Ballon d’Or victory has been voted the greatest in the award’s history in the B.O.A.T. poll. The Portuguese superstar thanked fans worldwide, recalling his record-breaking season with Manchester United and Champions League triumph.
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked fans around the world after his maiden Ballon d’Or triumph in 2008 was voted the greatest winning campaign in the award’s history in the B.O.A.T. (Best of All Time) poll organised by the Ballon d’Or organisers.
Ronaldo expressed his gratitude through a social media post on Thursday, highlighting the importance of supporters in football. “Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world; the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours,” he wrote.
The B.O.A.T. poll invited football supporters worldwide to select the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign of all time. Ronaldo’s 2008 victory secured the top position, while Argentine legend Lionel Messi’s 2012 triumph finished second, reflecting the lasting impact of two of football’s most celebrated players.
Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or came after an exceptional 2007-08 season with Manchester United, during which he scored 42 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions. His performances helped the English club win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, establishing him as one of the leading players in world football.
In the Premier League, Ronaldo scored 31 goals to finish as the competition’s leading scorer and played a crucial role in Manchester United securing their 17th league title. His pace, finishing ability, aerial strength and attacking versatility made him one of the most difficult players for opposition defences to contain.
His European campaign was equally impressive. Ronaldo scored eight goals in the Champions League to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer, helping Manchester United reach the final against domestic rivals Chelsea.
The final, played in Moscow, ended 1-1 after extra time. Ronaldo scored United’s opening goal with a header, but Chelsea equalised through Frank Lampard. Manchester United eventually won the penalty shootout, securing the European title under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Although Ronaldo missed his penalty during the shootout, United’s victory completed a memorable season for the Portuguese forward. His performances throughout the campaign played a major role in the club’s domestic and European success.
Ronaldo received the Ballon d’Or in 2008 after finishing second behind Brazilian midfielder Kaká in the previous year’s voting. He became the third Portuguese footballer to win the prestigious individual award, following Eusebio, who received it in 1965, and Luis Figo, who won it in 2000.
The honour marked a significant milestone in Ronaldo’s career. He had joined Manchester United as an 18-year-old in 2003 from Sporting CP and gradually developed into one of the most influential attacking players of his generation. His 2008 season helped establish the foundation for a career filled with individual honours, domestic titles and European success.
Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph also preceded a prolonged period of individual competition with Messi, as the two superstars dominated the Ballon d’Or conversation for many years. Ronaldo has won the award five times, while Messi holds the record with eight victories.
| Also Read: Rohit Sharma Shares How Rajpal Yadav’s Comedy Lifted His Spirits |
The B.O.A.T. poll result highlights the continued appreciation of Ronaldo’s breakthrough season among football supporters. His achievements with Manchester United in 2007-08 remain a defining chapter in his career, combining outstanding individual statistics with major team trophies.
By crediting fans for the recognition, Ronaldo underlined the relationship between players and supporters, reinforcing his message that football’s greatest achievements belong not only to the athletes but also to the people who follow and celebrate the game worldwide.
