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Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Lionel Messi Off His Top Five Rivals For 2018 Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo Leaves Lionel Messi Off His Top Five Rivals For 2018 Ballon d'Or

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has named his five fiercest rivals for the 2018 Ballon d'Or. Spoiler: Lionel Messi is not on the list.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are both tied on a record five Ballon d'Ors each, with both players trading the award back and forth since 2008.

Of course, there is no denying that both footballers will want to break the deadlock and pull ahead in the race.

The Juventus star has spoken to France Football (via the Daily Mirror) in an exclusive interview and revealed his desire to capture a sixth Ballon d'Or.

"I said many times, winning a sixth Ballon d'Or is not an obsession," he said.

"And I do not ask the question in these terms. I already know, in my heart of hearts, that I am one of the best players in history.

"Of course I want to win, this sixth Ballon d'Or. It would be a lie to tell you the opposite.

PA

"I work for that. As I work to score goals and win games without being an obsession.

"I think I deserve it."

Oh, and he also named the five rivals that he would need to beat for the award, leaving out Barcelona's talisman off his list.

"The same as usual, even if I don't know if Messi will be on the podium this time," he explained.

"So, let's say [Mohamed] Salah, [Luka] Modrić, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Raphaël] Varane, [Kylian] Mbappé -- the French in general because they are world champions.

PA

"But I will wait and see if all these players are still at the top in 10 years, like Messi and I have done, and like we continue to do.

"Still there, on the podium, since more than 10 years."

The 33-year-old has continued to impress in Italy since his sensational summer move from Real Madrid. He recently scored a brace for Juventus against Empoli, which included an absolute screamer.

The CR7 brand continues to build off the pitch, too, with the former Manchester United star becoming the most followed person on Instagram.





Who will win the 2018 Ballon d'Or?

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Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo