Ballon d’Or: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Lionel Messi or Neymar wins – Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he will not be surprised if he is pipped to the Ballon d’Or title by Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Ronaldo, who has won the accolade the last two years, scored 54 goals in 52 outings during 2015 – six more than Messi and 13 greater than Neymar.

However, the Portuguese talisman has conceded that Barca’s triumphs in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League could be the deciding factor.

“[It’s] not a surprise to me if Leo or Neymar win as on a collective level they won many trophies. But all three [are] here on own merits.”

Since 2008 the award has been scooped by either Ronaldo or Messi.