Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or season is leading the official Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) public vote, while Lionel Messi’s 2012 season is in second place, according to the initiative’s 20 October update.
What are the latest vote figures?
The Ballon d’Or platform reported Ronaldo’s 2008 season at 75% and Messi’s 2012 season at 9%. Ronaldo’s 2017 season was third with 6%. These are provisional public-vote figures, not the outcome of an official award, and they can change before voting closes on 27 October. The platform said it would reveal final results on 28 October.
Why 2008 and 2012 stand out
Ronaldo’s 2008 year included the Premier League and Champions League titles with Manchester United, the European Golden Shoe and 42 goals across competitions. Messi’s 2012 season is remembered for his calendar-year record of 91 goals.
Is this the “Super Ballon d’Or”?
No. B.O.A.T. means “Ballon d’Or of All Time” and is a fan poll celebrating past winners. It is not the historic Super Ballon d’Or, a separate special award presented to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989. Calling the current vote the Super Ballon d’Or would be inaccurate.
Source: official Ballon d’Or platform, updated 20 October 2026. Image is a player montage, not a photograph of the poll.
