Raul: 'Ronaldo will surpass Messi and Griezmann to win the Ballon d'Or'

The former Real Madrid star believes Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Player of the Year award for the fourth time in his career, when France Football magazine presents the award.

In 2016, Ronaldo won both the Champions League and the European Championship. This is why Raul believes his former teammate will continue to win the Ballon d'Or, following his victories in 2008, 2013, and 2014.

"Winning the Champions League and Euro 2016 is incredibly important. That's why I...""I predict Ronaldo will win the Ballon d'Or this year. He will be competing with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. They will create a fascinating podium," Raul told Cadena Ser on October 25.

Ronaldo is the leading candidate for the 2016 Ballon d'Or. Photo: Reuters

Since the start of the 2016-2017 season, Ronaldo has shown signs of declining form while playing for Real Madrid. The Portuguese striker has only scored two goals in the first nine rounds of La Liga.Along with the decline came some questions about selfishness. In the recent match against Bilbao, Ronaldo even made a puzzling hand gesture after teammate Alvaro Morata scored.

However, according to Raul, Ronaldo always put the team's interests above personal goals: "What Ronaldo has achieved is something to be proud of. He always scores around 50 goals a season. When I was playing, it was difficult for me to even get 20 goals a season. Ronaldo has a great personality and always craves success. He also demands a higher level of individual performance than any other player. With his teammates, Ronaldo is very demanding and always wants them to be in top form. Every teammate appreciates and respects him. I know that because I was once Ronaldo's teammate."

According to VNE