Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has named five players that can stop him from claiming his sixth Ballon d'Or.
Ronaldo has won the last two Ballon d'Or awards after playing a pivotal role as Real Madrid ruled supreme in Europe.
After missing out on a third consecutive FIFA Best award , Ronaldo is still positive he can claim the Ballon d'Or following his achievements throughout the course of the year.
Cristiano Ronaldo stats
In an interview France Football, Ronaldo reiterated his desire to win the award to a record sixth time he, however, stated that it is not an obsession.
Ronaldo backs himself for Ballon d'Or
He stated in the interview that even if he does not win the individual award he has a place in history among the best to have ever to played the game.
He said, "I said many times, winning a sixth Ballon d'Or is not an obsession.
"And I do not ask the question in these terms. I already know, in my heart of hearts, that I am one of the best players in history.”
Asked if he deserves to win the Ballon D’or again, Ronaldo stated that his goals and contribution to big games this year should earn him the coveted award.
He said, "Of course I want to win, this sixth Ballon d'Or. It would be a lie to tell you the opposite.
"I work for that. As I work to score goals and win games without being an obsession.
"I think I deserve it."
Ronaldo then went on to list the player that could displace him as the best in the world and win the Ballon d'Or as he left out Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi from his list.
Ronaldo removes Messi from his Ballon d'Or list
He said, "The same as usual, even if I don’t know if Messi will be on the podium this time."
He included his former Real Madrid teammates Luka Modric who won the FIFA Best Player of the Year award, central defender Raphael Varane and Europa League Player of the Tournament Antoine Griezmann .
Ronaldo also listed France and Paris Saint-Germain wonder kid Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool breakout star, Mohamed Salah .
He said, "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.”
Ronaldo who is the most followed player on Instagram will now if he retains his title when the Ballon D’ or winner is announced on in December
