{
  "id": 16990614,
  "title": "Ronaldo wins BOAT ahead of Messi in paid fan vote, but what is it?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/ronaldo-wins-boat-ahead-of-messi-in-paid-fan-vote-but-what-is-it",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-29T01:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/ronaldo-wins-boat-ahead-of-messi-in-paid-fan-vote-but-what-is-it-1.500727653"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed yet another football accolade, beating his rival Lionel Messi in a fan-funded vote for the greatest Ballon d'Or winning campaign of all time. Known as the B.O.A.T. award, this unique initiative was introduced by France Football to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the prestigious Ballon d'Or. Unlike the traditional Ballon d'Or, which is awarded by journalists, the B.O.A.T. was decided by fans who had to pay €1 for each vote. Astonishingly, 5,009 participants voted more than once, with 44 individuals casting between 10 and 26 votes each. Ronaldo's 2008 season with Manchester United was the clear winner, outpacing Messi's record-breaking 2012 campaign. Ronaldo's 2008 season was exceptional, scoring 42 goals across all competitions for Manchester United. This included 31 goals in the Premier League, securing him the European Golden Shoe and a significant step towards his five Ballon d'Or victories. While Ronaldo's 2008 season has earned another recognition, it is essential to note that the B.O.A.T. is not an official Ballon d'Or or the Super Ballon d'Or.",
  "summary": "Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten his longtime rival Lionel Messi to another football honour, with his incredible 2008 season at Manchester United voted the greatest Ballon d'Or winning campaign of all time. The Portuguese superstar won the newly introduced B.O.A.T. award, but there is an interesting twist to the story. Unlike the traditional Ballon d'Or, this award was decided by fans, and they had…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Inaugural BOAT Award As His 2008 Manchester United Season Beats Lionel Messi's 91-Goal Campaign",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/cristiano-ronaldo-wins-inaugural-boat-award-as-his-2008-manchester",
        "published": "2026-10-29T02:56:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}