Former Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, insisting he is a worthy winner.

Cannavaro, who himself claimed the prize after leading Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, believes Ronaldo deserves the gong following his Champions League success with Real Madrid and his Euro 2016 triumph with Portugal.

The forward is widely considered the favourite for the award, which would be his fourth win in total, having also notched 51 goals in all competitions with his club and a further three in France with Portugal.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d’Or, without a doubt,’ Cannavaro told Marca. ‘Even if he hasn’t scored these last few games, we shouldn’t forget all he’s done this year.’

The Italian echoed the words of Real Madrid’s former manager Carlo Ancelotti in his assessment of the star, admitting Ronaldo’s firepower makes a significant impact.

‘Carlo Ancelotti used to say that with Cristiano [Ronaldo], it is like starting a match with a 1-0 edge,’ Cannavaro mused.

Ronaldo has struggled to produce his best form so far this season but has managed to hit four goals in nine appearances for Real Madrid, while he has also assisted a further four.