Cristiano Ronaldo has won the inaugural ‘Ballon d’Or of All Time’ award (BOAT) following a month-long public vote.
Ronaldo finished ahead of rival Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan Franz Beckenbauer, Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano and Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario.
The Portugal international has been recognised for his unforgettable 2007/08 season when he contributed to United’s Premier League and Champions League success, as reported by manutd.com.
Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions that term and it led to his first Ballon d’Or, joining George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law on the list of United winners.
Overseen by France Football, the intention of the BOAT award was described as a chance for football fans to choose the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time.
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A poll opened on 1 October and allowed voters to choose from ten players who have won the Ballon d’Or more than twice.
Voters had to pay to take part, in turn entering a prize draw to attend the 2027 awards ceremony.
According to manutd.com, organisers stated that there is no physical award or trophy for the winner.
