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What's the story?
The world is waiting with bated breath for tonight's announcement as to who the 2017 Ballon d'Or winner will be. but now latest leaked images reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo is all set to beat Lionel Messi and claim the prestigious individual prize.
Pictures of a pair of Nike boots have emerged with the words "Quinto Triumph" (fifth triumph) inscribed on the heel. To make it even more obvious, the years in which the Portuguese star has won Ballon d'Or before along with 2017 was also inscribed on it.
As has been the case since 2008, this year's Ballon d'Or award also had the duo as Ronaldo and Messi to claim the top prize. It now seems that Ronaldo on the back of his stunning performances for Real Madrid last season is all set to win his 5th Ballon d'Or award.
In case you didn't know...
Ronaldo has had an indifferent start to the season, while Messi has been absolutely stunning so far. This had led many to believe that the Argentine ace could win his 6th Ballon d'Or. However, the Portuguese superstar stepped up when it mattered the most last season and it seems that his performances in the Champions League have swung the result in his favour.
The Ballon d'Or award is held by France Football and the award is decided based on the votes of top sports journalists across the world.
Also read: 10 players who could have won the Ballon d'Or if Messi and Ronaldo did not exist
The heart of the matter
Cristiano Ronaldo's expected triumph draws him level with his arch-rival Messi in the number of Ballon d'Or wins. An earlier report had even stated that the Portuguese superstar would receive the award from David Ginola on top of the Eiffel tower and it seems like that report coupled with the leaked images have all but confirmed tonight's winner.
What's next?
Knowing Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar will not be satisfied resting on his laurels. Los Blancos are off to play the Club World Cup in the coming weeks and Ronaldo will be determined to add another trophy to his stunning career.
Author's take
Messi might have made a blistering start to this season, but Ronaldo for his consistency, important goals and performances in the latter half of the Champions League and La Liga last season definitely deserves to win the 2017 Ballon d'Or award.
Also read: 10 greatest football players of all time
