FP
Fakayejo Paul
In a special global poll conducted by France Football to mark the 70th edition of the ceremony at the London Palladium, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or victory has been officially crowned the Best Ballon d’Or Winner of All Time.
Following a month-long voting process involving millions of football supporters worldwide alongside a panel of former Ballon d’Or winners and football historians, Ronaldo’s peak Manchester United season topped the legendary list.
Why the 2007/08 Season Remained Unmatched
Ronaldo’s maiden Golden Ball victory in 2008 set the benchmark for modern footballing dominance, capping off a campaign where he redefined the capabilities of a winger:
- Trophy Cabinet: Secured the Premier League and UEFA Champions League double with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
- Incredible Goal Tally: Scored 42 goals in 49 games across all competitions, claiming the European Golden Shoe, Premier League Golden Boot, and Champions League Top Scorer titles.
- Individual Clean Sweep: Won the FIFA World Player of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, and UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in the same calendar year.
Top 5 Greatest Ballon d’Or Seasons (As Voted)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (2008) – Manchester United 🇵🇹
- Lionel Messi (2012) – FC Barcelona 🇦🇷
- Ronaldinho (2005) – FC Barcelona 🇧🇷
- Marco van Basten (1988) – AC Milan / Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Ronaldo Nazário (1997) – Inter Milan / Brazil 🇧🇷