France Football has opened a public vote to determine the greatest winner in the history of the Ballon d’Or. Titled the B.O.A.T. (Ballon d’Or of All Time), the initiative invites fans worldwide to select their choice from a curated field of ten legendary players who lifted the prestigious trophy at least twice.

The selection process features 32 specific voting options representing different winning years for the ten qualifying athletes. Lionel Messi leads the field with eight distinct entries corresponding to each of his victories between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo appears with five options reflecting his wins from 2008 to 2017. Other multi-time winners in the ballot include Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten with three titles each, alongside Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Kevin Keegan, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge with two apiece.

Ronaldo Fenomeno Stands Alone As The Sole Brazilian Candidate

Ronaldo Fenômeno stands as the sole Brazilian representative on the ballot, holding two Ballon d’Or titles won in 1997 and 2002 with Inter Milan and Real Madrid. The absence of other giants of South American football, notably Pelé and Maradona, stems directly from the historical criteria governing the prize during their playing careers. For decades, the award had restrictions that prevented players from outside Europe from competing.

The eligibility was expanded in 1995 to include athletes of any nationality who played for European clubs and, in 2007, came to include players from all over the world.

Voting Mechanics And Prizes For The Public Ballot

Participating in the B.O.A.T. poll requires a financial contribution of 1 euro, about R$ 5,60. Each payment grants the right to a photograph related to the Ballon d’Or and enables the fan to compete for two tickets to the award ceremony in 2027. The voting will close on October 27, 2026, and the official result is expected the following day.