Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the favourites to win the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or, but former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Hristo Stoichkov snubbed the Portuguese for the final three.
Read: 23-Man Official Ballon D'Or Shortlist Announced
FIFA released the 23-man shortlist on Tuesday and it's no surprise that Messi and Ronaldo were nominated.
However, Stoichkov believes the podium will be made up of FC Barcelona players only, with no space left for Real Madrid talisman.
"Messi will win the Ballon d'Or, Neymar and Suarez will be on the podium. Iniesta should also be among the three nominees," he told Onda Cero.
The former Blaugrana striker also insisted the La Liga title race will be between Real Madrid and Barcelona, despite both sides not yet hitting top form.
"I don't see anything to worry Barca and Madrid. The difference will be when they play each other," he added.
"I'm relaxed about Barca because I know they'll keep winning things.
"It looks impossible that Real Madrid will drop six or eight points to Barcelona before Christmas. When you let in goals there will always be doubts, but you have to look at how they played in the last two games."
Read: Neymar Overtakes CR7 In La Liga Scoring Charts
Do you think there is a chance Ronaldo won't be one of the three Ballon d'Or finalists? Have your say in the comments section below.
