Figo backs Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or

Photo source: ronaldo7.net

Luis Figo has joked it is difficult picking between the "truffles and caviar" of the football world in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but backed the Real Madrid star to win the 2014 Fifa Ballon d'Or.

The 42-year-old should know a potential winner when he sees one, having lifted the trophy himself back in 2000, and envisages a tight vote for this year's prize.

Ronaldo and Messi also face competition from Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the individual accolade, handed to the world's best player over the last 12 months, but Figo has given his backing to his countryman.

He said: "It's hard to choose between truffles and caviar, but for me it has to be Cristiano. He’s had a fantastic year all the way through for Real.

Regarding Neuer's case, he added: "I know Germany won the World Cup and I understand there are those who think Neuer, who is such a great keeper and was a big part of their success, should win it."

Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d'Or for the last six years, with the Argentine claiming the prize three times in succession before the Portuguese took it off him last year. The winner will be announced at a ceremony on January 12.

-Goal.com