5 reasons why this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Ballon d’Or?

#1 World Cup year

Cristiano might be falling behind the two

2018 is the year of the World Cup, like 'Captain Obvious' would say, and things are a little different in World Cup years. The results of the World Cup usually plays a fundamental role in the final decision of the Ballon d’Or.

While it is true that the last two World Cups didn’t produce a Ballon d’Or winner, with Messi dubiously winning it 2010 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League laurels helping his cause in 2014, this time, however, with Neymar rising to prominence, things could be a little different.

It all depends on which of the three teams from Brazil, Argentina and Portugal, respectively, can stake the best shot at winning the World Cup.

Obviously, Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo will have to play well individually first, for their respective national sides, in order to have a shot at the accolade – and even if that is considered, both Messi and Neymar are better at the moment – but team trophies also play a major role in deciding the Ballon d’Or.

Notably, both Argentina and Brazil are stronger than Portugal.

If Portugal can't win the World Cup, and with the La Liga trophy beginning to ebb away slowly, but steadily, Cristiano Ronaldo could very well relinquish all hopes of winning a record-6th Ballon d'Or next year.