20th Nov 2013 | International
Ronaldo Suddenly Odds-On For Ballon d'Or
The former Manchester United favourite was runner-up to Messi in both 2011 and 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick for Portugal on Tuesday night has not only guided his country to the World Cup Finals, but also made him likely to be named the world’s best player in 2013.
The Real Madrid superstar found the net three times in the 3-2 victory over Sweden to add to his headed winner in the first leg. Remarkably, it was the the 28-year-old’s fifth hat-trick of the season and took his tally to 34 goals in 24 appearances for club and country.
Ronaldo is now nothing longer than 1/2 (Coral) to win the Ballon d’Or having been as long as 2/1 just 24 hours ago. Up until last night’s heroics, Franck Ribery had been favourite to land the big prize after a trophy-laden year with Bayern Munch. The Frenchman is suddenly a best price of 5/2 (PaddyPower) to claim the top individual prize in football.
Four-time world player of the year Lionel Messi is 8/1 (WilliamHill) to win another Ballon D’Or but his chances appear to have been curtailed by injury and the slightest drop-off from his imperious standard in 2012.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:15 20th Nov, 2013 but subject to change
