{
  "id": 17041114,
  "title": "Ronaldo beats Messi to BOAT award for standout Man Utd season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/ronaldo-beats-messi-to-boat-award-for-standout-man-utd-season",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T09:37:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/ronaldo-beats-messi-to-boat-award-for-standout-man-utd-season/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a surprising turn of events, Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged victorious over Lionel Messi in the decision of fans to determine the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time, known as the BOAT award. The Portugal international, a five-time recipient of the prestigious award, was celebrated for his exceptional 2007/08 season with Manchester United. The 10 legendary players nominated for the BOAT award included previous multiple-time winners, engaging fans in a fierce competition. Ronaldo's performance during the 2007/08 campaign, where he helped United win both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and scored an impressive 42 goals in all competitions, led to his top spot. Messi's 2012 Ballon d’Or success ranked second in the voting, making the two football icons the sole top 12 contenders. Ronaldo's award-winning 2007/08 campaign marked the beginning of his journey to being considered one of the world's greatest footballers, following a breakout 2006/07 season at United. His remarkable goal haul, with 31 of his strikes that season coming from the Premier League, led to a memorable final in the Champions League, where he scored for United against Chelsea in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Moscow. Ronaldo's impressive record includes four more Ballon d’Or awards while at Real Madrid and a successful return to Manchester United in 2021, which ended in controversy after an interview where he expressed feeling \"betrayed\" by the club. Ronaldo now plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, where he won the Saudi Pro League title last season. His international future remains uncertain due to a reported dispute with the new head coach of Portugal, Jorge Jesus.",
  "summary": "Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi to claim the BOAT award, which was voted on by fans to decide the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time. The Portugal international – a five-time winner of the prestigious award – was recognised for his standout 2007/08 campaign. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo was […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}