Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is hoping to retain the Ballon d’Or in 2016, though Cristiano Ronaldo remains the overwhelming favorite to win the prestigious award for the third time in his career following a trophy-laden year.
Despite playing little part in the grand finale, Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 triumph with Portugal and his Champions League success with Real Madrid has placed the 31-year-old in pole position.
His old nemesis Messi has, however won La Liga and the Copa del Rey trophies, and Lionel continues to make his mark in world football.
Taking every club competition into consideration, Messi has a remarkable ratio of scoring a goal every 86.78 minutes, compared to Ronaldo’s 97.44. In addition, the Barcelona star man registers an assist in less than two games while Ronaldo provides an assist every three games.
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann also continues to gather admirers, while Premier League champions Leicester City’s attacking pair Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are also named on the 30-man shortlist, with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, and Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba also in contention to claim the annual individual award.
WHEN IS THE BALLON d’OR CEREMONY?
The winner of the 61st Golden Ball award will be announced on Monday, December 12 in a ceremony that begins at 16.30 GMT.
WHERE IS THE BALLON d’OR CEREMONY?
The 2016 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in the capital of France, Paris.
WHO IS ON THE BALLON d’OR SHORTLIST?
The 30-man shortlist for the buzz-worthy award was announced in late October and the shortlist includes 13 players from La Liga, eight from the Premier League, five from the Bundesliga, three from Serie A and one from Portuguese Super League.
WHO DECIDES THE WINNER?
A panel of 173 renowned journalists will decide the winner of the 61st Golden Ball award.
