Lionel Messi was named FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year in September, but Cristiano Ronaldo may just beat him to a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or, according to the latest reports.
Click through the mini-gallery above to see Ronaldo's previous Ballon d'Or triumphs.
The Juventus superstar has made the shortlist for the award a 16th time – more than any other player in history.
If he lifts the prestigious Golden Ball this year, he will have won the accolade on six occasions, beating Messi to the incredible record; the Argentine, in turn, could lift his sixth Ballon d'Or as well.
A recent visit to Ronaldo by France Football, who will announce the winner on 2 December, has now raised questions as to whether he is the frontrunner to lift the award.
The French magazine travelled to Turin for an exclusive interview, which will be published on Tuesday.
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As a consequence, Italian publication Corriere dello Sport has made the claim that Ronaldo has jumped into the lead in the race for the 2019 Ballon d'Or.
They believe France Football's visit could indicate that Ronaldo has done enough to lift the award.
The 34-year-old did win the Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup with Juventus last season, and also led Portugal to victory in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.
Messi and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, who was named UEFA's Player of the Year, are the other two favourites to win this year's Ballon d'Or.
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The Golden Ball is based on performances by players in a calendar year, while FIFA's The Best Men's Player and UEFA's Player of the Year prizes go along with the previous season.
Do you think Ronaldo will win the 2019 Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments section below.
