Featured Image Credit: UR / Getty
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Ballon d'Or
Ryan Smart
Cristiano Ronaldo has named the five players he believes have the best chance of winning the Ballon d'Or during their careers.
Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the Ballon d'Or ceremony since 2008, with there only being two occasions since then that neither player has lifted the men's trophy.
Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are the only other players to win the award in that timeframe, in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
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In 2024, a completely new winner will be crowned, with none of the above four names having even been nominated.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is seen as the favourite to win the award, although he may be ran close by team-mate Jude Bellingham or Manchester City star and Euro 2024 winner Rodri.
While he won't be at the ceremony this year, Ronaldo - who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr - has named the five current players he believes have the best chance of winning the Ballon d'Or at some stage in their careers.
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Speaking on his new YouTube channel UR alongside Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo stuck with a largely Real Madrid theme, naming Kylian Mbappe alongside Vinicius and Bellingham as leading contenders.
He said: "Kylian Mbappe can win the Ballon d'Or for the next few years. Probably Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham [as well]."
When Ferdinand interjected with the name of Vinicius, Ronaldo added: "Also Lamine Yamal.
"I think this new generation, they have a lot of potential.
Barcelona and Spain star Yamal became the youngest Ballon d'Or nominee when the list was released earlier this month - breaking the record set by Mbappe in 2017.
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The Frenchman, meanwhile, is also on the shortlist this year, although may consider himself to have a better chance of scooping the award after a full season with Real Madrid.
And Haaland is also nominated after another goal-filled season with Manchester City.
But unlike in 2023, the Norwegian did not win the Champions League, unlike Vinicius and Bellingham, while not competing at Euro 2024 with Norway may possibly count against him.