RONALDO, FIGO, BACKS C. RONALDO FOR BALLON D'OR.

Ronaldo, and Luis Figo, both former stars at Real Madrid, are backing fellow compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch the Ballon d'Or award this year.

Ronaldo emerged as the favourite to win the 2016 Ballon d'Or after he had come off with winning the Champions League competition with Real Madrid, and the Euro 2016 games with his country, Portugal in one year.

However, his start into the current season has been said to be quite below-par and may go on to hinder his chances of clinching the title which would be his fourth if he eventually wins it.

The former Brazilian international, Ronaldo, who was speaking on his induction into the World Football Hall of Fame - a FIFA recognized event, had told Marca that if number of trophies are to be put into top consideration, then the Madrid star striker was a more deserving winner than Lionel Messi, Barcelona's star forward. He said:

"It is difficult for me to choose one or the other because I don't like to be unfair to either Messi or Ronaldo. But if I have to choose this year, for the trophies won, I believe Cristiano deserves it more."

Ronaldo also believes that his namesake would successfully complete his new contract with Real Madrid, and retire finally from active football, still donning Los Blancos shirt.

Also, Luis Figo has come out to back Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2016 Ballon d'Or award. And during a session on "El Partidazo", a Spanish Radio show, Figo had said that he believes Ronaldo would be victorious in the competition.

"Cristiano is going to win the Ballon d'Or. I believe there is no doubt about that. It is normal."

So far, the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's The Best award are Ronaldo and Messi. However, another potential candidate for the award is Antoine Griezmann, an Atletico Madrid forward.