France Football clarified on Friday that the online “Ballon d’Or of All-Time” (B.O.A.T.) fan vote, which currently features Cristiano Ronaldo leading with his 2007/08 season at Manchester United, is strictly a popular initiative and will not confer an official trophy or alter the history of the traditional award, Terra reported.

Public Voting Initiative Carries No Official Trophy or Award Status

The online poll allows supporters to select historical phases among athletes who have won the Ballon d’Or at least twice. However, the organization emphasized that the digital vote has no formal connection to the traditional ceremony and will not impact the upcoming 2026 edition or past official records. Cristiano Ronaldo, who owns five career Ballon d’Or trophies, is not among the nominees for this year’s primary award.

Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Internet Poll for Greatest Season

At present, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2007/08 campaign with Manchester United sits at the top of the internet poll. That specific season marked the first time the Portuguese forward claimed his career Ballon d’Or. The digital ballot also features Lionel Messi alongside historical greats such as Ronaldo Nazário, Zinedine Zidane, Marco van Basten, and Johan Cruyff.

Voters Pay Fee for Digital Photo and Ticket Draw

Fans wishing to cast a vote must pay a fee of one euro, roughly equivalent to R$ 5.63. In exchange for the participation fee, voters receive an iconic digital photograph and earn entry into a draw for two tickets to the traditional Ballon d’Or ceremony, scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London.