Ronaldo can win Ballon d’Or if goals taken into account: Figo

Portuguese football icon Luis Figo on Tuesday said that it would be natural if a Barcelona player wins the Ballon d’Or in 2015 but did not rule out compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, if goals are taken into account. Ronaldo, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013 and 2014, competes with Argentinian Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar, both of Barcelona and winners of major titles last season, including the European Champions League in June

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other Portuguese to win the award after Luis Figo, who the gong in 2000.

Portuguese football icon Luis Figo on Tuesday said that it would be natural if a Barcelona player wins the Ballon d’Or in 2015 but did not rule out compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, if goals are taken into account.

Ronaldo, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013 and 2014, competes with Argentinian Lionel Messi and Brazilian Neymar, both of Barcelona and winners of major titles last season, including the European Champions League in June.

“There are three great players, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar. If the logic of winning is based on the number of trophies, the trophy will be for a Barcelona player,” Figo, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2000, told Efe .

“But if who votes chooses to highlight individual records such as scoring goals, Ronaldo can win.”

The decision will be announced on January 11 in Zurich.

Ronaldo has 21 goals so far this season and 66 last year, including goals with his national team.

Messi has 14 goals this season and 62 last season while Neymar has 18 this year and 48 last season.