Ronaldo’s B.O.A.T. Victory Sparks Reconciliation with Portugal National Team
Cristiano Ronaldo was named the greatest Ballon d’Or winner in history by French magazine France Football, with his 2008 season at Manchester United recognized as the “GOAT” award. The decision, announced on Wednesday, saw Ronaldo narrowly defeat Lionel Messi, whose 2012 campaign finished second in the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) poll.
The Portugal national team’s official X account praised Ronaldo, stating, “From 2008 to eternity, the best Ballon d’Or in history is Portuguese, congratulations captain.” This follows recent tensions, including Ronaldo’s suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation for missing a Nations League match against Norway,
Global Fan Vote Selects Ronaldo as Winner
The B.O.A.T. award was decided by a global fan vote, with participants paying €1 to cast their ballots between October 1 and 27. Ronaldo’s 2008 season, in which he scored 42 goals across all competitions and helped Manchester United win the Premier League and Champions League, edged out Messi’s 2012 campaign, which saw the Argentine score 91 goals in a calendar year.
Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours. pic.twitter.com/S0sLDNiUUY
“Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world,” Ronaldo wrote on X, emphasizing the grassroots nature of the award. The poll did not include a physical trophy, instead offering a prize draw for 2027 ceremony tickets.
Ronaldo’s Legacy in Portuguese Football
Ronaldo, 41, remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer with 143 goals in 225 appearances. His contributions include the 2016 European Nations Cup, the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles. Despite his recent clashes with the national team, coach Jorge Jesus has included him in the November preliminary squad, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
🚨✨ OFFICIAL: Ballon d’Or announce Cristiano Ronaldo 2008 has been voted as the BEST BALLON D’OR OF ALL TIME. 🌕 pic.twitter.com/gr3nYytkiu
Ronaldo’s 2007–08 campaign was a “sensational” performance under Sir Alex Ferguson.
What’s Next for Ronaldo and Portugal?
The Portuguese Football Federation’s decision to lift Ronaldo’s 30-day suspension and fine him 255 euros paved the way for his return to the national team. Jorge Jesus has included Ronaldo in the November squad.
Ronaldo continues to shape football narratives, even as he adapts to his role at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His 2008 triumph, now enshrined as the greatest in Ballon d’Or history, shows his enduring impact on the sport.
Ronaldo Won Five Ballon d'Or Awards
Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or win was his first of five, with subsequent victories at Real Madrid in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Messi’s 2012 campaign, though legendary, could not surpass the 2008 season in the B.O.A.T. vote.
🏆 @Cristiano has won the @BallondOr Of All Time award for his iconic 2008.Legendary 🐐 pic.twitter.com/lGmF49w0sw
Who Won the B.O.A.T. Award?
Who won the B.O.A.T. award?
Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award, with his 2008 season at Manchester United recognized as the greatest in history.
How was the winner decided?
The winner was chosen by a global fan vote, with participants paying €1 to cast ballots between October 1 and 27.
What is Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team?
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer and was included in the November preliminary squad by coach Jorge Jesus, despite recent disciplinary issues.
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