Former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid forward Ronaldo de Lima has decided to get his Ballon d'Or vote in early as he feels there is only one player who should lift the trophy after this season.
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The Brazilian managed to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times during his illustrious career, an impressive achievement on its own.
The favourites to lift this season's Ballon d'Or crown are once again Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but one of them is a clear favourite, according to the 40-year-old.
"This year, I would choose Cristiano Ronaldo as the winner of the Ballon d'Or," Ronaldo told Fox Sports.
"For the last two years, he has been decisive. He was key in so many matches in the Champions League, he's in the final. Cristiano's numbers can't be ignored."
With the continuous debate as to who the better player is between Messi and Ronaldo, the two-time FIFA World Cup winner also said that both stars deserve all the plaudits that come their way.
"Both of them are fantastic," Ronaldo added.
"I love Messi with the ball at his feet, he scores goals and does all the rest too. But Cristiano's numbers can't be ignored.
"It's a cruel comparison. Both of them deserve respect."
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The Portugal captain has scored 40 goals for Real so far this season, while Messi ended his campaign with a tally of 54 strikes in 52 matches.
Who is your pick for the next Ballon d'Or title? Have your say in the comments section below.
