While the Ballon d’Or is an award that’s been won only by very few footballers, the Super Ballon d’Or is an even more exclusive accolade.

France Football has only handed out the award once, in 1989. The prize sought to honour the finest men’s player of the previous three decades.

The winner was Alfredo di Stéfano, whose illustrious Real Madrid career brought 308 goals, 17 trophies and two Ballons d’Or (in 1957 and 1959).

Di Stéfano was chosen in a vote involving fans, a France Football jury and former winners of the Ballon d’Or. Who did he beat to the award?

Second place went to Johan Cruyff,  the Dutch great who lifted the  Ballon d’Or on three occasions: in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

Michel Platini came third in the  voting. Like Cruyff, the Frenchman  also scooped the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

At that time, only European players were eligible for the Ballon d’Or, so legends such as Diego Maradona and Pelé weren’t considered.

There’s speculation that the Super Ballon d’Or could be awarded again in 2029. If so, the clear favourite for the prize would surely be Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has scored 793 goals in 1,003 career games, and has won seven Ballons d’Or: in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Messi has won four Champions Leagues and 10 LaLiga titles, and has led Argentina to victory at the World Cup and the Copa América.

Were Messi crowned the best player  of the last three decades, it would be fully merited. If the Super Ballon d’Or is awarded, his name looks to be on it.