The eternal debate over who is the greatest player of all time, Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, could come to an end with the awarding of the Super Ballon d’Or, which would be awarded to the most influential footballer of the last four decades, from 1989, when Alfredo Di Stefano received the first and only Super Ballon d’Or, until now, beating great legends such as Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.
At that time, only European players could participate, however, Di Stefano, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was able to participate thanks to his Spanish nationality
Who are the candidates to win the Super Ballon d’Or?
Although the list of possible winners could include Ballon d’Or winners such as Rodri Hernandez, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Kaka, Fabio Cannavaro or Ronaldinho, the main contenders are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won eight and five Ballon d’Ors respectively.
On the subject, France Football published a message congratulating Di Stefano for the recognition he received in 1989, launching the question to the public about who would be the winner of the recognition today.
A Ballon d’Or like no other. In 1989, one player received a trophy that no one else had ever achieved: the Super Ballon d’Or. But who was he? And if it were to be awarded again today… Who would deserve it?
This post provoked a wave of more than 2,000 comments debating who deserved the award, whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, with very few daring to nominate a different name
Artificial intelligence predicts the winner of the Super Ballon d’Or
Even Grok Artificial Intelligence tried to put an end to the debate by issuing its verdict, however this only caused more controversy as to who will be named the best player of the last four decades.
“The Super Ballon d’Or, a rare award for the greatest footballers of all decades, would likely fall to Lionel Messi today. His eight Ballon d’Ors, his 2022 World Cup triumph and his 45 major trophies far outweigh his competitors. Cristiano Ronaldo, with over 900 goals and five Champions League titles, is a close contender, but his absence from a World Cup weakens him. Both have redefined excellence, and the decision depends on whether individual awards and international glory or pure goalscoring are prioritised. There is no definitive answer: fans and pundits remain divided,” said the AI.
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