Cristiano snubs Messi, includes Liverpool star Ballon d’Or predictions

Cristiano Ronaldo has named the five players he believes will challenge him for the Ballon d’Or – with some surprise choices.

The Juventus star is in the running to secure a yet another Ballon d’Or, and would earn a record sixth Golden Ball if he can beat the competition.

The Portugal international – who won another Champions League title with Real Madrid earlier in the year – thinks that there is a chance Lionel Messi may not crack the top three.

“The same as usual, even if I don’t know if Messi will be on the podium this time,” Ronaldo revealed.

“So, let’s say Salah, Modric, Griezmann, Varane, Mbappe – the French in general because they are world champions.

“But I will wait and see if all these players are still at the top in 10 years, like Messi and I have done, and like we continue to do.

“Still there, on the podium, since more than 10 years.”