Former Brazil and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to lift the Ballon d’Or in January 2017 after a stellar season for club and country.

‘This year, if I have to choose, I’d pick Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or because of what he’s won,’ he told Claro Sports. The Brazilian forward won the award in 2002 after leading his country to World Cup glory.

Portugal star Ronaldo scored 51 goals across all competitions for Los Blancos last season, lifted the Champions League trophy and then helped end his country’s search for major international silverware at Euro 2016.

Media speculation has Ronaldo leading the way, with his closest challengers set to be five-time winner Lionel Messi and Euro 2016’s top-scorer Antoine Griezmann.