Cristiano Ronaldo 2028 moments ranked after winning ‘best Ballon d’Or of all-time’

Since 1956, the Ballon d'Or has recognised individual excellence in football. But which winning season stands above the rest?

To mark the award's 70th anniversary, France Football put that question to a public vote in October 2026. Fans were invited to choose the greatest Ballon d'Or-winning season from a shortlist featuring ten players who had won the award at least twice.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 campaign came out on top, ahead of Lionel Messi's 2012. The ranking below looks at Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or-winning seasons, weighing his on-pitch achievements and each campaign's lasting impact, examining why one season has stood out above the rest.

Which Ballon d'Or Season Did Fans Vote the Best of All Time?

Ronaldo first Ballon d'Or came following the 2007-2008 season and has won him the Ballon d'Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, with Messi's 2012 campaign finishing second.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 49 appearances for Manchester United during the 2007-08 season, helping the club win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

The ballot featured Ronaldo, Messi, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Ronaldo Nazário, Franz Beckenbauer, Kevin Keegan, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The list included their winning years, allowing fans to compare outstanding seasons from different generations. Ronaldo and Messi dominated the final top ten, taking five places each. Ronaldo's 2017 season finished third, while Messi's 2023 campaign came fourth.

Other entries included Ronaldo's 2016, 2014 and 2013 wins, alongside Messi's 2015, 2011 and 2009 Ballons d'Or.

Which Five Moments and Milestones Defined Ronaldo's 2008 Season?

5. The Newcastle hat-trick

United’s 6-0 win over Newcastle United on 12 January 2008 was another memorable moment in Ronaldo’s season. The sides went into half-time goalless, but United took control after the break, with the star player scoring a hat-trick at Old Trafford.

It was the only hat-trick of Ronaldo’s first spell at United and showed how quickly he could turn a closely contested game into a convincing win.

4. The individual double

Ronaldo’s consistency throughout the season earned him several individual honours. He finished as the Premier League’s top scorer with 31 goals, won the league’s Player of the Season award and ended the Champions League campaign as its leading scorer with eight goals.

His numbers showed how important he was to United in both competitions. Ronaldo was scoring regularly throughout the season, not just in the biggest matches.

3. The Portsmouth free-kick

On 30 January 2008, Ronaldo scored twice as United beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Old Trafford. His free-kick, which curled beyond goalkeeper David James, was one of the standout goals of his season.

The win moved United to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference. As the title race became tighter, Ronaldo's goals continued to play an important part in United's push for the trophy.

2. The header in Rome

United's 2-0 win over Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on 1 April gave them a strong advantage in the tie.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a header in the 39th minute, before Wayne Rooney doubled United's lead in the 66th. The victory put United in control ahead of the return leg and strengthened their chances of reaching another European final.

1. The Moscow header

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 26th minute of the Champions League final against Chelsea on 21 May 2008. He rose to meet Wes Brown's cross and headed the ball past Petr Čech to score his 42nd goal of the season.

Chelsea equalised through Frank Lampard, and the match finished 1-1 after extra time. United eventually won 6-5 on penalties, although Ronaldo missed his kick.

Chelsea captain John Terry then slipped while taking the penalty that could have won his team the trophy, sending his effort against the post.