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Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus did not seem feasible at first, but it was evident that he is about to leave. Many considered him switching back to Manchester United or Sporting CP, but he chose a different challenge altogether.
Ronaldo, at the age of 33, is still as impressive as ever. He has also scored his first goal for Juventus last weekend, and he seems to have caught his form at the perfect time; as the UEFA Champions League nights have commenced.
Juventus' marquee signing would obviously be the one to lead the Italian army, and the fact that they have played two Champions League finals in a matter of just four years makes them even more determined to take home the UCL title this season.
Having said that, let's take a look at the three reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should win the Ballon'dOr over the likes of Messi and Modric this season.
#3 Better goal ratio than Messi
Despite having a slow start as a striker in the 2017-18 season, going without a goal for more than five games, Cristiano Ronaldo finished above Luis Suarez in terms of the highest number of goals scored by the end of La Liga, playing five fewer games than the Urugyuan.
The 33-year-old bagged 26 goals in 27 matches for Real Madrid last term, with 5 assists to his name as well. While Messi, who had a very disappointing Champions League campaign last season, finished the 2017-18 La Liga as the top scorer in Spain, winning the European Golden Shoe as well.
Messi scored just six goals in 10 appearances for Barcelona in the Champions League last term, whereas Cristiano scored more than double Messi's stats.
Ronaldo is nowhere near to Messi in assists, but the Portuguese holds a better game-to-goal ratio and that gives him an edge over Messi to win the Ballon'dOr 2018.
#2 Convincing World Cup performances from Ronaldo
Ronaldo scored 4 goals in the World Cup 2018, being the second-top scorer at Russia, and all his goals have been of top-class and vital for the team.
He single-handedly gained Portugal a point in the group stage fixture against Spain at Russia, scoring a sensational hat-trick, consisting of a penalty, a sublime freekick and a powerful left-footed shot.
Being a captain, Ronaldo has shown more confidence and commitment towards the team, and that makes him more deserving for the Ballon'dOr 2018.
Though both Portugal and Argentina were out in the Round of 16 to Uruguay and France respectively, Ronaldo has clearly contributed more to his country, as Messi has just scored a goal in all of his fixtures.
#1 UCL Glory
Ronaldo with Real Madrid has won three Champions League titles in three years, and he is one of the few players who score goals with a certain degree of flair. A hattrick of UCL titles for the Los Blancos, a record not even the best of bests teams might be able to break.
Ronaldo finished the 2017-18 Champions League campaign being the top scorer with 13 goals to his name in just 10 games, 5 goals more than the second-highest scorer Roberto Firmino. His form in UCL is incredible and of the highest class.
Though the Whites have traversed through difficult times in domestic competitions, their style of football in the Champions League is of the finest quality.
Ronaldo has notched brilliant goals for his former club Real Madrid, and he has played a huge part in Real Madrid's European success in recent years, including last season, and that is the reason why I think he is the most likely and the most deserving to win the Ballon'dOr.
