Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude to football fans across the world after being named the winner of the Best Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) award for his performances in 2008.
The Portuguese superstar dedicated the recognition to his supporters, acknowledging their role in the game and thanking those who voted for him.
In a message shared on his social media platforms, Ronaldo described football as a game that ultimately belongs to its fans, saying the award was also a reflection of their support.
“Football belongs to the fans. Thank you to all the fans around the world. The Best Ballon d’Or of All Time is also yours,” he wrote.
Ronaldo emerged as the winner of the inaugural award after competing against some of the most celebrated names in football history, including Argentine great Lionel Messi.
Other nominees included Dutch legends Marco van Basten and Johan Cruyff, Spain’s Alfredo Di Stéfano, Germany’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Franz Beckenbauer, France’s Michel Platini, England’s Kevin Keegan and Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário.
The award was designed to recognise the greatest individual season or year in football history, with supporters given the opportunity to decide the winner through a public voting process.
Unlike the traditional Ballon d’Or, which is decided through votes from selected journalists, the B.O.A.T. poll allowed members of the public to participate directly.
According to the details of the voting process, each vote cost one euro, with Ronaldo eventually securing the most support.
The recognition further highlights the Portuguese forward’s remarkable 2008 campaign, which helped establish him as one of the leading players of his generation.
Ronaldo’s response also underlined his appreciation for the supporters who have followed his career, as he shared the honour with fans around the world.
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