UEFA and France Football have launched a new award known as the BOAT, giving fans the opportunity to vote for the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time from a shortlist of players who have won the prestigious individual honour at least twice.

Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as the winner of the fan poll, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi in a voting process that charged supporters €1, approximately $1.10 at the time, for every vote cast.

The Portuguese forward, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, secured the top position for his 2008 triumph while playing for Manchester United. That victory marked the beginning of his five successes in the award’s history.

Messi, who holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or titles, finished second for his 2012 achievement. Ronaldo also occupied third place for his 2017 victory, meaning the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star secured two positions in the top three.

Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph leads the voting

Ronaldo claimed the 2008 Ballon d’Or ahead of Messi and Spanish striker Fernando Torres. He went on to win the award four more times in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, with those victories coming during his spell at Real Madrid.

Voting for the BOAT award ended overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday on the official Ballon d’Or website.

The football legends shortlisted for the BOAT award

UEFA and France Football allowed fans to decide the outcome, presenting them with a list of 10 football legends who had each won the Ballon d’Or on at least two occasions.

The nominees included some of the most celebrated players in football history:

Lionel Messi: Eight Ballon d’Or titles

Cristiano Ronaldo: Five titles

Marco van Basten: Three titles

Michel Platini: Three titles

Johan Cruyff: Three titles

Ronaldo Nazário: Two titles

Franz Beckenbauer: Two titles

Kevin Keegan: Two titles

Alfredo Di Stéfano: Two titles

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: Two titles

Despite the high-profile nature of the award and the calibre of players on the shortlist, supporters were required to pay €1 for each vote submitted.

UEFA also offered voters an opportunity to enter a draw for two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Ronaldo’s success in the poll gives him the edge over Messi in this particular fan-led contest, adding another chapter to their long-running rivalry. However, the outcome represents the preferences of participating voters rather than a definitive verdict on who ranks as the greatest Ballon d’Or winner in football history.