Cristiano Ronaldo thanks Real Madrid fans following show of support using face masks

Supporters of the Spanish club staged stunt to boost Ronaldo's chances of winning the Fifa Ballon d'Or

Looking like some sort of football related Anonymous march, an estimated 45,000 Real Madrid fans donned Cristiano Ronaldo face masks during their side's Champions League game with Galatasaray last night.

The stunt was organised by two supporters' groups who were eager for the club to show their support for Ronaldo in the battle to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or award, which recognises the best player on the planet.

Since winning the Ballon d'Or while a Manchester United player in 2008, Ronaldo has come second best to Lionel Messi. However, many think this will be his year, with the Portugal forward installed as the favourite ahead of his rival from Barcelona, as well as Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid officials sanctioned the face masks and a few banners to allow their hard to please supporters to show who they believe is the best player on the planet.

Ronaldo was forced to witness the tributes from the stands after being ruled out of the match with a thigh injury.

Taking to Twitter after the match, he tweeted: "Thanks to the fans for the great support. I wish I was there helping my team."