Ronaldo knows he'll pick Ballon d'or award

Johannesburg [South Africa], Dec.6 (ANI): Real Madrid star striker Critiano Ronaldo has been reportedly informed that he will be crowned this year's Ballon d'or winner. Ronaldo is a front runner to win the coveted award after inspiring Zinedine Zidane's side to the Champions League glory and Portugal to Euro 2016 trophy. According to Sport24, a Spanish newspaper reported that Ronaldo and Real Madrid have already been informed that voting for the award suggested the Portugal star would outclass his Barcelona rival Lionel Messi to pick the world's best player award. If reports come true, Ronaldo will lift the award for the fourth time, thus closing the gap to long-time rival, Messi who has lifted the award for a record five times. Ronaldo, who won the prestigious gong in 2008, 2013 and 2014, scored a total of 51 goals in all competitions for Madrid last season. The prestigious individual prize will be judged solely by a panel of journalists after FIFA World Player of the Year award and Ballon d'Or ended their partnership this year. The Ballon d'Or ceremony is slated to take place on January 9. (ANI)