Confirmed: Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or voted best of all time in historic fan poll

Cristiano Ronaldo spent a remarkable nine seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu and set records that seem unlikely to be surpassed in the foreseeable future.

His legacy at Real Madrid remains unmatched in many respects, and even years after his departure, his achievements continue to receive recognition.

His 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning campaign has now emerged victorious in the Ballon d’Or of All Time fan vote, an initiative organised through the award’s official platform.

The BOAT, as the initiative is abbreviated, is a public fan poll and not an official trophy, with supporters allowed to cast multiple paid votes.

Ronaldo’s 2008 campaign receives overwhelming support

The initiative invited fans from around the world to choose the greatest Ballon d’Or-winning campaign in football history.

Legendary names including Lionel Messi, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Ronaldo Nazario were among the contenders.

Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph received an extraordinary 75% of the votes, comfortably ahead of Messi’s 2012 campaign on 9%.

Interestingly, Ronaldo’s 2017 Ballon d’Or victory, achieved during his successful spell at Real Madrid, occupied third place with 6%.

The Portuguese forward’s 2008 campaign was extraordinary. Playing for Manchester United, he scored 42 goals across all competitions.

He won both the Premier League and the Champions League and also secured the European Golden Shoe.

The beginning of Ronaldo’s historic journey to Real Madrid

For Madrid supporters, the recognition carries particular significance because 2008 marked Ronaldo’s emergence as the world’s best footballer.

It came just one year before his record-breaking move to Madrid, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What followed was an extraordinary period in which he scored 450 goals in 438 appearances, won four Champions League titles and collected another four Ballon d’Or awards.

Cristiano Ronaldo defined a legacy at Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

His 2017 triumph is especially memorable, coming during a period when Madrid dominated European football and Ronaldo consistently delivered in the biggest Champions League matches.

While his first Ballon d’Or came in Manchester, Madrid became the stage where he transformed individual brilliance into collective success.

Ronaldo doesn’t need an award to validate his legacy, but this fan initiative shows exactly where the majority of the support lies.

It remains to be seen whether this sentiment continues if an official Super Ballon d’Or is handed out in the near future.