By the numbers: How Messi's 5th Ballon d'Or win stacks up

Football's worst secret was made official on Monday, when Lionel Messi claimed the coveted FIFA Ballon d'Or award at the governing body's annual gala in Zurich, Switzerland.

In beating out Cristiano Ronaldo and teammate Neymar for the prize, the Argentine attacker set a new standard for greatness, winning the award for a record fifth time.

Here are some of the numbers behind his unprecedented achievement:

3 - Only three countries have won as many Ballon d'Or awards as Messi has captured on his own

Only German players combined (7), Dutch combined (7) and France combined (6) have won more Ballon D'ors than Messi alone #Messi #BallondOr
— Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) January 11, 2016

5 - No other player has won football's most coveted individual honour more times than the pint-sized Argentine

(Courtesy: Paul Carr)

9 - Messi still has plenty of work to do if he hopes to catch some fellow sporting legends

Here's how #Messi's 5 #BallondOr awards compare to some of the all-time greats in MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL: pic.twitter.com/TtZ7YXeY1f
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 11, 2016

11 - Barcelona has seen one of its players win the award more times than any other club

Along with Messi's five crowns (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), Barcelona has watched on with pride as one of its own has captured the award on six other occasions.

Dutch icon Johan Cruyff took home the hardware in 1973 and 1974, while Ronaldinho (2005), Rivaldo (1999), Hristo Stoichkov (1994), and Luis Suarez (1960) have all been bestowed with the honour while donning the famous Blaugrana shirt.

Barcelona players have now won 11 Ballon D'ors, three more than any other club (Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan follow with 8) #BallondOr
— Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) January 11, 2016

The stars of world football convened in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday, each of them dressed to the nines for FIFA's annual Ballon d'Or gala, prepared for an evening that honours the very best the sport has to offer.

Of course, one superstar shone brightest - even if his choice of attire belied the exuberance of past outfits.

For the fifth time in his illustrious career, Lionel Messi was bestowed with football's greatest individual honour, capturing the FIFA Ballon d'Or ahead of fellow nominees Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The evening also saw a host of other awards handed out, highlighted by American midfielder Carli Lloyd capturing the Women's Player of the Year prize.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or gala:

GOING HOME WITH THE HARDWARE

FIFA Ballon d'Or