Xavi
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The most surprising name on this list has to be former Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi Hernandez. Xavi has been a vocal supporter of Messi and has miffed Roanldo onplenty of occasions, but even he had to admit that the numbers seemed to make Ronaldo favourite for the award.
Earlier, Xavi had angered Ronaldo when he had said:
“Ronaldo is extraordinary but compared to Messi, for me and for everyone who likes football, there can be no comparisons.
“Messi will be number one until he wants [to stop]. He's superior to everyone and is the best in the world unless you are Real Madrid."
The comments prompted Ronaldo to take a dig at the World Cup winner.
"I'm the most searched player on the internet. Anyone who wants free publicity or media attention talks about me,” the Portuguese forward added.
"I couldn't care less about what Xavi says about me, he plays in Qatar or I don't even know where. He's won every collective trophy, including a World Cup and the European Championship, but he's never won a Ballon d’Or.”
Despite the harsh comments by Ronaldo, Xavi in a recent interview at Aspire4Sports event in Amsterdam said:
"Cristiano has the numbers to win this year's Ballon d'Or, having won the Champions League and the Euros,
"But I also think that it'll be very competitive, because Messi will be there, of course."
With many reports claiming that Ronaldo has already won the Ballon d’Or award, it will indeed be a shock if the Portuguese superstar is not named as the winner on Monday.
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