Ronaldo won the prize for the first time in 2008 and has claimed it five times in total, while Messi won it first in 2009 and took his tally to a record eight last year.
While it is not out of the question while they are still playing, it doesn’t seem likely that either of the legendary figures will win the Ballon d’Or again and it is time for a younger generation to take over.
The Portuguese superstar fancies Kylian Mbappe to shine with new club Real Madrid, while he fancies Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to be in contention for the biggest individual prize in the game.
‘I think [Mbappe] will do well,’ Ronaldo said on his YouTube channel, in conversation with Rio Ferdinand.
‘The structure of the club… it’s nice, it’s good. They have a great coach and the president, Florentino [Pérez], who has been there many many years.
‘I think it won’t be a big problem because of his talent. Mbappe can be the next golden ball [Ballon d’Or] winner for the next years. Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. This new generation has a lot of potential.
‘Madrid is the kind of team they don’t rush under pressure. People say they’re lucky in the Champions [League]. No they are not lucky. They’re prepared for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has that different aura.
‘Now, if you say that Madrid is going to be better or not, we don’t know. Mbappe is there now, I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don’t know if they will be better than last year. Only God knows.’
The bookmakers do not expect any of those four players to win the Ballon d’Or this year, with another Real Madrid superstar the favourite.
Vinicius Jr is the favourite with the bookies, while Manchester City’s Rodri is behind him in the betting.
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