Carlo Ancelotti reveals his contenders for the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or

Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t believe Lionel Messi can win the Ballon d’Or this year

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti thinks that the only real contenders for the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or are Cristiano Ronaldo and one of Germany’s World Cup winning stars among those in the 23-man shortlist.

The last six years has seen the award go to either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. But Germany’s World Cup win in Brazi this year gives players like goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and forward Thomas Muller a chance to win the coveted prize.

Messi took Argentina to the World Cup final but lost to Germany, coming away with just the Golden Ball trophy from Brazil. He also failed to win a trophy with Barcelona last season. But this week he equalled Raul’s record of 71 Champions League goals.

Ronaldo won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League title with Real Madrid (La Decima) and has already scored 20 goals in La Liga and Champions League this season.

Don’t see anyone else winning Ballon d’Or: Ancelotti

The Italian manager said: “Ronaldo has done everything to win it.

“Then there could be Germany players because they won the World Cup,” he added.

“I don't see other players who can be on the list.”

Ronaldo is like Di Stefano: Ancelotti

The Portuguese forward had mentioned that he wanted to be the greatest player of all time and compared his stature to that of Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano.

Ronaldo had saidd: “I see in myself what people saw in Di Stefano and for me it is an honour because Alfredo is one of the best of all time and to be mentioned alongside him is a privilege.”

Ancelotti responded to that and agreed that the comparison motivated Ronaldo.

“Ronaldo believes he is Di Stefano's heir. He has this image, it's a very great compliment,” he said.

“Everyone knows what he meant, and to have this image gives him great belief for the future. He deserves it.”