Real Madrid Legend, Raul Names The Player He Thinks Will Win 2016 Ballon D'Or

Before the Portuguese came along, Raul was Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer. Yet the Spaniard didn’t win the Ballon d’Or during his illustrious career, finishing second to Michael Owen in 2001.

Not since Kaka in 2007 has a player not named Messi or Ronaldo collected the coveted prize, and Raul doesn’t think that will change, GiveMeSport reports.

“I think Cristiano. This is between Cristiano and Messi, and Griezmann can enter the podium,” the former Los Blancos and Schalke striker said, per Sport. 

“Cristiano, Messi and Griezmann would be a good podium.

“They have much value, the Champions League and the European Championships, and I think it is the year of Cristiano.”

Though Raul is backing Ronaldo to claim his fourth award, he refused to call the Portuguese star the better player.

“The best in the world depends at the moment,” Raul added. 

“Cristiano and Messi are level.”