Who is the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time? That is the question behind the Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.), a vote bringing together some of the biggest legends in football history. Ten players are in contention, all of whom have won the Ballon d’Or at least twice.
All the Ballon d’Or of All Time nominees
The leading names include Lionel Messi, with eight awards, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with five. The list also features legends from previous generations, including Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Marco van Basten and Ronaldo Nazário.
Here are all ten nominees and the years in which they won the Ballon d’Or:
- Lionel Messi: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
- Johan Cruyff: 1971, 1973 and 1974.
- Michel Platini: 1983, 1984 and 1985.
- Marco van Basten: 1988, 1989 and 1992.
- Ronaldo Nazário: 1997 and 2002.
- Franz Beckenbauer: 1972 and 1976.
- Alfredo Di Stéfano: 1957 and 1959.
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: 1980 and 1981.
- Kevin Keegan: 1978 and 1979.
How to vote for the B.O.A.T.
The vote takes place online, without a jury made up of journalists, coaches or footballers. According to the information provided, fans can participate by visiting the official Ballon d’Or website and paying one euro to cast their vote.
When will the results be announced?
According to the announced schedule, the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place on Monday, October 26. However, the B.O.A.T. award will not be part of the event. Voting is expected to close at midnight on October 27, with the results due to be published on the official website on Wednesday, October 28.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the leading contenders, but the vote also gives fans an opportunity to celebrate the legends who defined different eras of football.