Controversy over Ballon d'Or vote

An announcement by the organizer of the Ballon d'Or has sparked controversy on social media, with some users describing the situation as "pure theft." The Ballon d'Or 2026 winner will be announced in two days, a decision that is highly anticipated due to the presence of many favorites and an undecided result.

Online vote for BOAT draws criticism

Enthusiasm has somewhat faded on social media after an announcement by the trophy organizer that fans did not appreciate, particularly those of Cristiano Ronaldo. An online vote was launched to elect the BOAT, the greatest Ballon d'Or of all time among those who have won the trophy at least twice.

Clarifications on BOAT status

France Football provided clarifications about this title, stating it will not be a new version of the Super Ballon d'Or, awarded to Alfredo Di Stefano in 1989, but will remain purely symbolic. "BOAT is exclusively a popular vote intended to celebrate the passion of our supporters. It is neither a physical trophy nor an official award of our ceremony," explains a statement from the organization.

Ronaldo fans express disappointment

This caused the anger of fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had mobilized massively to place the Portuguese at the top of the votes. Disappointed to learn that the attacker of Al-Nassr (41 years old) would finally not be rewarded on Monday evening in London, some have cried scandal on X, denouncing a "scam" and a "fraud" from the Ballon d'Or.

Criticism over undisclosed details

"A official organization launched a prize charged 1 euro to participate, and when Cristiano Ronaldo started to win, (…) they changed it to call it an unofficial prize. All those who made a donation should sue them!" "Pure theft (…). Why wasn't it disclosed before taking people's money?" indignated users.