Messi vs Ronaldo — but not only them! Ballon d'Or unveils 10 legends for its all-time crown
Football's greatest names are being thrown into one historic battle.
Details: The Ballon d'Or has launched its official B.O.A.T. — Ballon d'Or Of All Time — vote, bringing together the ten players who have won the prestigious individual award at least twice. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo headline a field packed with icons from several generations.
The unusual format makes the vote even more interesting: supporters are not simply choosing the greatest player. Every Ballon d'Or triumph by an eligible footballer has its own voting card, meaning fans must decide which specific winning year deserves to be regarded as the greatest in the award's history.
- Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Marco van Basten
- Johan Cruyff
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
- Michel Platini
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Kevin Keegan
- Franz Beckenbauer
Voting is open until October 27 at 23:59 Paris time, with the official result set to be announced on October 28. Each vote requires a €1 contribution, and supporters are allowed to vote more than once. Participants also receive access to an iconic Ballon d'Or photograph and a chance to win two tickets to the 2027 ceremony.
It is worth noting that Messi is the record holder with eight Ballon d'Or wins, while Cristiano Ronaldo has five. Platini, Cruyff and Van Basten have three each, while Di Stéfano, Beckenbauer, Ronaldo Nazário, Keegan and Rummenigge all won the trophy twice. The regular 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
