5 players who can beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or this year

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese is out to prove a point

When Lionel Messi dominated all the major awards last season, everyone expected a response from his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese has responded in a brilliant fashion this term with unbelievable performances and amazing records in front of goal as he leads Juventus charge for European glory once again.

Ronaldo is on an impressive run at the moment. He's found the back of the net in his last 10 Serie A games, with his momentum rising higher as we enter the decisive phase of the campaign. The attacker has bagged 20 Serie A goals for Juve this season, to go with two assists in 20 appearances. He's also scored twice and set up another one from six games in the Champions League.

Ronaldo's thirst for success and his determination to prove himself as the world's finest footballer is bringing the best out of him once again. At 35, the Portuguese still has plenty of fuel left in him. He's already moved past Messi in the battle for the Ballon d'Or at the moment and he will be keen to keep himself above his eternal rival till the end of the campaign in order to draw level with him on six triumphs.

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