The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or prize will be crowned soon, with much debate surrounding who the winner will be. Cristiano Ronaldo is tipped as favorite to win the title for a fourth time after his Champions League and Euro 2016 success, but one can’t count Lionel Messi out just yet.
However, Mundo Deportivo claim to have ended the suspense. The Spanish publication report that the winner has already been chosen, with an announcement expected to be made on Monday.
As written by Francesc Aguilar, the recipient will be – as expected – Cristiano Ronaldo, regardless of his shaky form this season. France Football, having split with FIFA and thus reverting to their old format, will head to Real Madrid on Thursday to interview the 31-year-old and take pictures.
Votes are restricted to only journalists, and how they voted for the 30 nominees will be revealed on Monday. An interview with the Real Madrid superstar will be published by France Football the following day.
Lionel Messi, the five time winner, will win the Silver Ball (second place). La Pulga won La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, but endured heartbreak with his national side after losing the Copa America Centenario final.
The third-placed player was not revealed, but the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Neymar, and Luis Suarez were tipped as possible candidates for that position.
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