Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s paid ‘B.O.A.T.’ award is the most embarrassing cash grab in football history

Writer Parag J Kalita criticizes the inaugural Ballon d’Or of All-Time online poll, calling Cristiano Ronaldo’s victory a paid cash grab. The online contest, held in October 2026, required voters to pay €1 per submission to select the best campaign among multi-time Ballon d'Or winners. Ronaldo’s 2008 season with Manchester United took first place ahead of Lionel Messi’s 91-goal 2012 campaign with FC Barcelona.

Kalita argues the poll was an illegitimate crowdfunding effort driven by dedicated fans who paid repeatedly to manipulate the results. The article notes that while official entities like the Saudi Pro League promoted the win, Messi holds eight official Ballon d’Or trophies compared to Ronaldo’s five.