Capello: Cristiano's no genius like Messi, but deserves Ballon d'Or
Former Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello says he prefers Leo Messi, but believes Cristiano Ronaldo should win the 2016 Ballon d'Or.
Sporting Lisbon-Real Madrid Live
Fabio Capello has backed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to claim his fourth Ballon d'Or award, but says he's not a "genius" like fellow contender Leo Messi.
Capello: I prefer Messi, but Cristiano deserves it
Cristiano and Barcelona ace Messi are among the frontrunners for the France Football prize - whose partnership with FIFA came to an end this year - with the winner to be announced on 13 December.
And after 12 months that have seen the 31-year-old forward help Madrid to Champions League glory as top scorer in the competition, and captain Portugal to Euro 2016 success, Capello has no doubts.
Speaking to Fox Italia, the 70-year-old ex-Real head coach declared: "Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
"Cristiano isn't a genius, but he's a great athlete"
"He's Real Madrid and Portugal's best player and he has won it all this year, he has scored a large number of goals and has shown a lot of personality.
"Cristiano isn't a genius like Messi, but he's a great athlete," Capello added. "I prefer Messi, but it's the Portuguese who deserves the Ballon d'Or this year."