Ronaldo thanks fans after 2008 Ballon d’Or crowned greatest of all time

Abdullateef Fowewe

Cristiano Ronaldo has shared the spotlight with his supporters after his breakthrough 2008 season was voted the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign in history.

In a post on Thursday, the Portuguese star wrote,
“Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours.”

France Football organised the special “Ballon d’Or of All Time” (B.O.A.T.) fan poll to mark the award’s 70th anniversary.

Voters selected the single best Ballon d’Or-winning season among players who had claimed the prize more than once.

Ronaldo’s 2007-08 campaign with Manchester United in which he scored 42 goals, won the Premier League and Champions League, and claimed the European Golden Shoe finished first, narrowly ahead of Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 2012 season.

The poll ran through October with a €1-per-vote system that allowed multiple entries.

Organisers stressed it was a symbolic celebration of fan passion rather than an official new trophy.