Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi in best Ballon d’Or season poll

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again moved ahead of longtime rival Lionel Messi, with the Portuguese superstar’s outstanding 2008 season at Manchester United voted the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign of all time in a special fan poll.

The ranking was introduced by France Football as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the prestigious individual football award. Fans voted for the best season among previous Ballon d’Or winners, with Ronaldo claiming the top position.

However, the unusual voting system has attracted criticism because participants were charged €1 per vote and could vote multiple times, raising questions about whether the results reflected footballing merit or spending power.

According to the reported figures, more than 5,000 people voted multiple times, prompting debate over the credibility of the final ranking.

Messi finished second for his extraordinary 2012 campaign, during which the Argentine scored a record 91 goals in a calendar year. His remarkable scoring record remains one of the most celebrated achievements in modern football.

Ronaldo’s 2017 season with Real Madrid secured third place, adding another impressive chapter to the Portuguese forward’s decorated career.

Why Ronaldo’s 2008 season stood out

Ronaldo’s 2007-08 campaign was a defining period in his rise to global superstardom. Playing for Manchester United, he scored 42 goals across all competitions and played a decisive role in the club’s success.

United won both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League that season, with Ronaldo emerging as one of the most influential players in world football.

His performances combined explosive pace, aerial ability, clinical finishing and an increasingly complete attacking game. The campaign also helped establish him as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or, which he won in 2008.

The achievement marked the beginning of an extraordinary individual rivalry with Messi, whose own record-breaking performances would dominate football over the following decade.

Voting method raises questions

Despite Ronaldo’s victory, the poll’s format has become a talking point. Allowing supporters to submit multiple votes for a fee meant that individuals willing to spend more could potentially influence the outcome.

This has led to questions about whether the ranking should be viewed as a reliable comparison of the players’ greatest seasons.

Importantly, the recognition is the result of a public vote and is not an official Ballon d’Or or Super Ballon d’Or award.

While Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign remains a landmark achievement in football history, the poll highlights how voting rules can shape the outcome of fan-driven awards.

For supporters of both superstars, the debate over Ronaldo’s peak season and Messi’s record-breaking 2012 campaign is likely to continue long after the anniversary celebrations end.