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What's the story?
Former Premier League star, Tim Cahill, has picked his favourite to win the Ballon d'Or at the end of 2019, and it's none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Lionel Messi is the overwhelming favourite to lift his sixth Ballon d'Or, Cahill feels Ronaldo has done enough in his debut season with Juventus to win the award.
In case you didn't know
Both Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the Ballon d'Or for a decade, winning the award five times each. But Luka Modric broke the duopoly of Ronaldo and Messi in the individual awards last year. Modric played a crucial role in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph and also helped Croatia to a World Cup final last year, which made him the clear winner.
But it looks like both Messi and Ronaldo will be back at the podium this year. Messi has been enjoying a stellar campaign and has netted 50 goals in all competitions. The 31-year-old also leads in the race for European Golden Shoe with 36 league goals and also leads the scoring charts in the Champions League this campaign.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo won Serie A's Player of the Year award after a sensational debut campaign in the Italian top flight. The Portuguese star has racked up 28 goals in all competitions but failed to help Juventus in the Champions League, just like Messi.
The heart of the matter
Speaking in an interview, Cahill said:
"The reason why I say Ronaldo, I know people won't agree, is because of what he's done in Juventus."
"He left Real Madrid, went there and had such a massive impact on another league. I've never seen another player do it at Man United, Madrid for so many years."
"And I know he didn't win the Champions League but he has such an impact in any club. If you can take players and put them somewhere at his age."
"I know people won't agree, I just appreciate his professionalism."
What's next?
Messi remains the favourite to lift the award and he will have the chance to win another trophy as Barcelona face Valencia next in the Copa Del Rey finals.
