Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or-winning 2008 season has been voted the best in the award’s history in a public poll organised to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

The poll invited fans to select their favourite Ballon d’Or-winning season, with Ronaldo’s 2007–08 campaign finishing first. Lionel Messi’s 2012 season came second, followed by Ronaldo’s 2017 campaign in third place.

Messi’s 2023 season finished fourth, while Ronaldo’s 2016 campaign completed the top five.

Ronaldo’s winning season came during his time at Manchester United in 2007–08, when he scored 42 goals across all competitions. His tally included 31 goals in the Premier League and seven in the UEFA Champions League.

During that campaign, Manchester United won both the Premier League and the Champions League. Ronaldo also scored in the Champions League final against Chelsea, further highlighting his contribution to the club’s successful season.

Full Ballon d’Or of All Time public-vote results:

Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008

Lionel Messi — 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo — 2017

Lionel Messi — 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo — 2016