Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the BOAT (Ballon d’Or of All Time) award after fans voted his outstanding 2008 campaign as the greatest season by a Ballon d’Or winner.

The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient faced competition from some of football’s most celebrated legends, including his long-time rival Lionel Messi.

The nominees also featured iconic figures such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan and Franz Beckenbauer. Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano and Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario were also among the contenders.

Following the conclusion of the voting, only Messi and Ronaldo secured places in the top 10. Ronaldo’s memorable 2008 season ultimately finished ahead of Messi’s remarkable 2012 campaign with Barcelona.

The voting process allowed supporters to cast multiple votes, with each ballot costing €1.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions for Manchester United in 2008, including 31 in the Premier League. His remarkable performances earned him the league’s Golden Boot before he claimed the Ballon d’Or at just 23 years old.

The Portuguese superstar subsequently spent nine years with Spanish giants Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League four times and further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest players in football history.

Ronaldo reached 982 career goals last week as Al Nassr secured a 3-1 victory over Al Faisaly in the Saudi Pro League, bringing the veteran forward closer to the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals.