The Ballon d’Or will not be awarded to the best player in the world until December, but the discussion has already begun due to the wrap-up of Europe’s domestic leagues.
Although many thought this would be the year new players compete for the prize, don’t be surprised if Messi and Cristiano grab first and second spot – but not in that order.
Little could have expected Real Madrid's 32-year-old star to be a front-runner for the Ballon d’Or, but he is back in the race after Los Blancos' league win. Here are four reasons why Ronaldo will win the prize for a fifth time.
He scored when it mattered
Remember when people used to say Cristiano scores tap-ins against the smaller clubs? The Portuguese ace has put those claims to rest by scoring five goals past Bayern, two hat-tricks against Atletico, and another three-goal haul in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
He is the Champions League king
The 32-year-old nearly broke the Internet with his hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final. He then utterly smashed the Internet with his hat-trick against Atletico in the semis.
He became the first player to score 100+ Champions League goals. He has the most goals in one Champions League season and in the tournament’s knockout stage. He is also one-goal shy of becoming this season’s top-scorer. Cristiano is the Champions League king.
Not a bad 12 months for @Cristiano
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 21, 2017
La Liga
European C'ship
Club World Cup
Ballon d'Or
Fifa Best Player
Champions League x2 pic.twitter.com/ux70jDw9Cc
Ronaldo shut up the haters like never before
Cristiano is no stranger to hate, but his critics came after him hard this season. There were claims of a Major League Soccer move, Perez wanting to sell the aging star, etc. The Real Madrid star has silenced all his haters in epic fashion.
Cristiano could have won five titles by the upcoming Ballon d’Or announcement
Football is a team sport, but winning titles is crucial to winning individual accolades. Cristiano already has La Liga in the bag, and could add the Champions League and Confederations Cup. The 32-year-old will then fight for the Spanish Super Cup, most likely against Barca, and the UEFA Super Cup – totaling to possibly five titles.
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