Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez - Who actually deserves the Ballon d'Or this year?

Verdict

Due to the Champions League and Euro 2016 triumph, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or. Although the Barcelona duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez managed to win a very impressive double, Ronaldo’s achievements are arguably greater than both of them.

Luis Suarez was the main attacking threat of the Barcelona side this season and although the Uruguayan did not take part in the Copa America Centenario, he arguably had a greater impact than Messi for Barcelona. What tilts the scales in the favour of Messi is the fact that his superb performances guided Argentina to another major final. However, Messi did look jaded for Barcelona this season and Luis Suarez currently just edges the legendary Argentine.

Finally, we have Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman elevated Atletico Madrid from a very good side to a great side and he was also the Golden Boot winner at the Euros. However, a lack of any major trophy despite his best efforts makes it very hard for the Frenchman to claim the top prize.

Deserved standings:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

2. Luis Suarez

3. Lionel Messi

4. Antoine Griezmann

Predicted Standings:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

2. Lionel Messi

3. Antoine Griezmann

4. Luis Suarez

I predict that the Ballon d’Or race will again be dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portuguese star claiming his fourth Ballon d’Or.