Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible 2015/16 season has convinced Chelsea legend Didier Drogba that the Portuguese star is destined to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Portuguese superstar was pivotal in his club and country’s success on the continental stage in 2016. In May, Ronaldo netted the penalty that handed Real Madrid their 11th Champions League win. A few weeks later, the former Manchester United attacker scored three goals at the 2016 European Championships in France to guide Portugal to an unlikely Euro triumph.
His scintillating performances have even caught the eye of Barcelona forward Neymar. Despite representing a rival club, the Brazilian picked the Portuguese over his club teammate Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or.
Chelsea icon Didier Drogba is the latest high-profile name to back Cristiano Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or glory. In an interview with AS (h/t Goal), the former Blues’ striker said:
“I played against Cristiano in the Champions League final in 2008; he won with Manchester United against Chelsea.
“He is a true leader and he deserves the Ballon d’Or for the great work he has done for Real Madrid and Portugal. Although he could not play the whole Euro 2016 final, he was the biggest reason that his team got there.”
Los Blancos are currently using the training facilities of Montreal Impact — Drogba’s current club — as they prepare for the upcoming International Champions Cup friendly tournament in the United States. The Ivorian also stated that Impact could learn a lot from a prestigious club like Real Madrid.
“It is very important for Montreal Impact that Real Madrid train here, given the history of the club,” he said. “It is important to see how such an important team works.
“I’ve played many times against Real Madrid. I faced them with Marseille and Galatasaray. I also played against coach Zinedine Zidane. Real Madrid is a massive, highly prestigious club. It is an honor to have them here.”