Jorge Mendes, the agent to Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, has backed his client to win the Ballon d’Or this year, claiming the award “only has one name”.
Ronaldo will be hoping to win his sixth Ballon d’Or next year.
However, he failed to win the league with Juventus, while Portugal were unsuccessful in their bid to retain the European Championships.
However, on an individual basis, the 36-year-old has continued to break records, becoming the most prolific scorer in the history of men’s international football.
He was also the top scorer at Euro 2020, despite Portugal’s elimination in the round of 16.
Lionel Messi is the overwhelming favourite to scoop the award for a record seventh time, having ended his long wait for international honours winning the Copa America.
But Mendes believes his compatriot is more than deserving of the honour.
“The Ballon d’Or has only one name, Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told France Football.
“He has never deserved it as much as this year. Top scorer in Serie A and at the Euros. He holds the record for goals in Champions League and is the only one who has won everything in three different countries.”
Mendes added: “He is the best scorer in the history of football. It is a decisive thing, it must be so for the trophy, because he continues to prove to be the best player in history.”
