Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated world football for over a decade, winning multiple Ballon d'Or awards, the most prestigious individual honor a footballer can receive. But who holds more Ballon d'Ors,

Roberto Carlos has reignited the age-old debate about football's greatest player, firmly stating that Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario is the best of all time.

The two legendary figures have long dominated the competition with remarkable goals and decisive performances. Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Florian Wirtz all expressed their support for Ronaldo as the greatest of all time.

For the first time since 2003, this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist does not include the two record winners. Between them, Messi and Ronaldo have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards, with the Argentine taking eight. That includes a run of four consecutive awards from 2009 to 2012.

If it wasn't for the two all-time greats, these nine stars would have got their hands on at least one Ballon d'Or each