Pepe: It would be a scandal if Ronaldo does not win Ballon d'Or

The Portugal defender believes that his compatriot is the greatest player of all time and says that any else is awarded the prize, "they should be ashamed"

Pepe has claimed that it would be a "scandal" if his Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo does not win this year's Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo fired the Santiago Bernabeu side to Champions League glory last season, breaking the tournament's goals record for a single campaign in the process.

The 29-year-old has arguably been in even better for this term, racking up 23 goals in just 17 games in all competitions.

Consequently, while Ronaldo is expected to face competition from Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Argentina captain Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or, Pepe is adamant that his compatriot is the only credible candidate for the prestigious prize.

"If any other players wins, they should be ashamed given what Cristiano has been doing, beating lots of records, scoring 17 goals in the Champions League last season," the veteran defender told A Bola. "These things are almost impossible”.

“In three months he has scored 23 goals. What else does he need to do?

"He is the best player in history and I repeat: it would be a scandal and a shame if they do not give him the Ballon d’Or."

Ronaldo, who won last year's Ballon d'Or, has racked up a remarkable 275 goals in just 263 games since joining Madrid from Manchester United in 2009.

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Ronaldo backs CR7 for Ballon d'Or over Messi

The former Selecao star feels that the Real Madrid attacker's remarkable goalscoring record will see him once again beat his Barcelona rival to the prestigious prize
Brazil icon Ronaldo believes that Cristiano Ronaldo will retain his Ballon d'Or award, arguing that the Portuguese has had a more "memorable" year than Lionel Messi.
The Portugal international is the reigning titleholder and heavily fancied to hold onto his crown after leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory in May, not to mention the his remarkable goalscoring form this season, with the 29-year-old having netted 23 times in just 17 games in all competitions.
Messi failed to win a major title with Barcelona last term, while he fell just short in his bid to inspire Argentina to World Cup glory, with the Albiceleste losing to Germany in the final.
Consequently, former Selecao star Ronaldo, who represented both Barca and Madrid during his illustrious playing career, feels that his namesake is destined for more Ballon d'Or success.
“I think we’ll see a repeat and Ronaldo will win it again this year," the retired 38-year-old told Sky Sport Italia
.
"He’s scoring lots of goals and is a big part of the way Real Madrid are playing.
"Messi is also in good form but Cristiano’s year has been memorable.
"Messi’s year hasn't been that memorable for him."
World Cup winner Ronaldo, who was last week inducted into Goal's Hall of Fame, claimed two Ballon d'Or awards and three Fifa World Player of the Year titles during his playing days.

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