Even if weeks ago Cristiano Ronaldo downplayed Mohamed Salah's options to win the 2018 Ballon D'Or, the Portuguese ace finally admitted that the Egyptian striker will be a tough competitor in this year's ballots.
Speaking in an interview published by The Mirror, CR7 admitted that he believes Salah can end Messi and Ronaldo's dominance over the trophy for the past ten years.
"Many people talk about the Cristiano Ronaldo-Messi battle but there are other players who have chances to enter the race (for Ballon d'Or). The Egyptian is one of them," Cristiano Ronaldo stated.
The Egyptian, who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up during the UEFA Champions League final, managed to set a record for most goals scored in the Premier League, and has been deemed as a major transfer target for Real Madrid and other clubs.
"Mo Salah has been one of the revelations of the year. I hope his injury in the final in Kiev doesn't keep him out," Ronaldo said.
The pair could meet up in the World Cup's Round of 16 if Egypt and Portugal make it past the Group Stage. On that matter, CR7 admitted that A Seleçao Das Quinas needs to start on a high note, even if it's against Spain.
"A defeat on the first day puts your in a bad way for the rest of the tournament so it's important to start well. But I believe both Spain and Portugal will reach the next round," Cristiano concluded.
