FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or greatest-ever fan vote rankings, current scores

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning campaign has emerged as the leading choice in an ongoing fan poll on the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning season in football history, securing 75 per cent of the votes.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward is ahead of Lionel Messi’s 2012 campaign, which has attracted nine per cent, while Ronaldo’s 2017 triumph accounts for six per cent of the votes.

The poll features some of football’s most celebrated players across different generations, inviting fans to compare individual performances and achievements from different eras.

Among the contenders are Messi, whose 2012 campaign featured an extraordinary goalscoring record, and legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Alfredo Di Stéfano, whose achievements helped shape football history.

The voting figures reflect participants’ preferences in the ongoing poll rather than a definitive assessment of the greatest individual season in football.

Here are the leading contenders, their achievements and their respective voting figures:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008 (75%): Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or leads the fan poll with 75 per cent of the votes. The Portuguese forward enjoyed a remarkable season with Manchester United, winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. He also claimed the European Golden Shoe and scored 42 goals across all competitions, making the year one of the defining periods of his career.

2. Lionel Messi — 2012 (9%): Lionel Messi’s 2012 Ballon d’Or ranks second with nine per cent of the votes. The Argentine forward scored a record 91 goals across all competitions for club and country during the calendar year. His extraordinary goalscoring achievement remains one of football’s most remarkable individual records.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2017 (6%): Ronaldo’s 2017 Ballon d’Or occupies third place with six per cent of the votes. While playing for Real Madrid, he helped the Spanish club win the Champions League and La Liga in the 2016–17 season. His decisive performances in European competition strengthened his case for another major individual honour.

4. Ronaldo Nazário: The Brazilian great, popularly known as R9, was renowned for his explosive pace, dribbling and clinical finishing. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002, becoming one of the most celebrated forwards of his generation. His achievements with Brazil, including winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup, cemented his place among football’s all-time greats.

5. Marco van Basten: The Dutch striker won the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1988, 1989 and 1992. Van Basten was admired for his technical ability, intelligent movement and spectacular finishing. His performances for the Netherlands at Euro 1988, including his famous volley in the final, remain among the most memorable moments in international football.

6. Michel Platini: Platini won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 1983 to 1985. The French midfielder was known for his vision, passing, creativity, and goalscoring. He was instrumental in France’s victory at the 1984 European Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s leading scorer.

7. Johan Cruyff: Cruyff won the Ballon d’Or in 1971, 1973 and 1974. The Dutch forward became one of the leading figures associated with Total Football, combining technical skill, tactical intelligence and exceptional movement. His influence extended beyond his playing career, particularly through his impact on Barcelona’s football philosophy.

8. Kevin Keegan: The English forward won back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979. Keegan succeeded with Liverpool before moving to Hamburg, where his performances further boosted his reputation in European football. His determination, attacking movement, and leadership made him one of the era’s outstanding British players.

9. Franz Beckenbauer: Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or in 1972 and 1976. Nicknamed Der Kaiser, the German football icon revolutionised the role of the attacking sweeper through his composure, intelligence and ability to build attacks from defence. He captained West Germany to victory at the 1974 World Cup and enjoyed major success with Bayern Munich.

10. Alfredo Di Stéfano: Di Stéfano won the Ballon d’Or in 1957 and 1959 and became one of the defining figures of Real Madrid’s early European dominance. His versatility let him influence matches from several attacking positions, and his goals and leadership helped the Spanish club win five consecutive European Cups between 1956 and 1960.

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