Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or-winning season beat Messi’s 2012 campaign in a public poll, with three Ronaldo seasons and two Messi seasons in the top five.

UEFA and France Football have launched a new award known as the BOAT, giving fans the opportunity to vote for the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time from a shortlist of players who have won the prestigious individual honour at least twice.

The poll, introduced by the Ballon d’Or organisers to recognise outstanding players across seven decades of football, features 10 nominees who have won the prestigious individual award at least twice.