5 reasons why this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s last Ballon d’Or?

And so it has happened, the inevitable just panned itself out along with the sands of time in Paris – Cristiano Ronaldo has won his 5th Ballon d’Or, equalling Lionel Messi's tally. When the Argentine had a 4-1 lead over the Portuguese, many thought that the lead was insurmountable and that Messi would finish with twice as many Ballon d'Ors as Cristiano Ronaldo.

But, the former Manchester United man is a fighter and pulled back with vengeance. The inner rage within him drove him to better himself and topple the Argentine. And now, he has 5 Ballon d’Ors – the same amount as someone who is supposedly leagues better than any player in the world.

However, this is perhaps the last time the Portugal captain will lay hands on the much-revered accolade, and here are 5 reasons why:

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#5 Age factor

Cristiano Ronaldo is not getting any younger

Mother time never leaves anyone alone, does she? No matter who you are or what you do, she will always find a way to drown you in her arms. Whatever is created, shall be destroyed: that is the rule of nature.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be 33 next February and age will catch up with him at some point – if it hasn’t already. One can already see signs of age fatigue in him – he can’t run as fast as before – and perhaps, even he himself realizes that and is making slight modifications in his playing style.

The Portugal captain now passes more from scoring positions than he ever did. In his recent game against Dortmund, he headed down a perfect cross from Mateo Kovacic to Borja Mayoral, but it was a bit too long for the young Spaniard.

These little changes indicate that the Portuguese is trying to adapt his game to extend his stay on top for a bit more. However, it might not be enough.

#4 Inevitable decline in form

With age, his form will also start to decline

With age catching up to him, it will only be a matter of time before his form also declines. He has already shown signs of it as he has scored only two goals in La Liga this season. He had a slow start last season as well, but it was nothing like this.

Indeed, this is the worst start to a season he has had in his Madrid career. While he has done decently in the UEFA Champions League, La Liga has been a torrid experience for him thus far. He might as well pick up his form and score goals to win his team some accolades, but the fact that he has lost some speed and a bit of his precision is a worrying sign.

Against Dortmund, with only the goalkeeper to beat, he dragged the ball wide after attempting a first-time shot. These are the little things that indicate that age might be dragging him down in terms of form and consistency, and he too, seems to be acknowledging it.

#3 Messi still going strong

Messi is still on fire

While the declination of the Portuguese has been apparent, the Argentine is still going strong. The Barcelona number 10 is still making an impact in every game and has been the reason why Barca are number 1 in La Liga.

When one watches Barcelona play, their lack of cohesion is very visible. This Barcelona team isn’t anywhere near the one that dominated the world with its ruthless brilliance. Paulinho might have been in good form, but he is no Xavi.

And Andres Iniesta has been on the decline for quite a while now – which leaves Lionel Messi to do most of the work for the team.

He is Barcelona’s best goalscorer and its best creator. Heck, Barcelona are beginning to transition into a one-man team – and Messi is still flourishing in that role. The fact that he is two years younger than Cristiano, which, coupled with his current form, gives him an edge over the Portuguese.

Even if age catches up with Messi and he also begins to decline, Paris-Saint Germain forward…

#2 Neymar is on the rise

Neymar has been exceptional this season

Neymar, Neymar, Neymar… Ever since the Brazilian has joined Paris Saint-Germain, he has been oozing a different kind of attitude. The former Santos man plays like a king and not like a subordinate like he did at Barcelona with Lionel Messi around him.

His numbers have been astonishing this season. In his first 17 games for Paris-Saint Germain, he has scored 15 goals and 9 assists. Indeed, it is not just the number, but the body language that he has shown so far this season.

The former Barcelona star has been playing like he owns the ball and the others around him are only mere mortals while he is a God in the form of a footballer. The way he and his team-mates, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, have been playing, it is only fair to claim that PSG are one of the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League.

And that would only boost Neymar’s cause. There is also another factor which puts Cristiano Ronaldo little behind the others for next year’s Ballon d’Or…

#1 World Cup year

Cristiano might be falling behind the two

2018 is the year of the World Cup, like 'Captain Obvious' would say, and things are a little different in World Cup years. The results of the World Cup usually plays a fundamental role in the final decision of the Ballon d’Or.

While it is true that the last two World Cups didn’t produce a Ballon d’Or winner, with Messi dubiously winning it 2010 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League laurels helping his cause in 2014, this time, however, with Neymar rising to prominence, things could be a little different.

It all depends on which of the three teams from Brazil, Argentina and Portugal, respectively, can stake the best shot at winning the World Cup.

Obviously, Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo will have to play well individually first, for their respective national sides, in order to have a shot at the accolade – and even if that is considered, both Messi and Neymar are better at the moment – but team trophies also play a major role in deciding the Ballon d’Or.

Notably, both Argentina and Brazil are stronger than Portugal.

If Portugal can't win the World Cup, and with the La Liga trophy beginning to ebb away slowly, but steadily, Cristiano Ronaldo could very well relinquish all hopes of winning a record-6th Ballon d'Or next year.