If I could, I would have voted for myself for Ballon d’Or – Ronaldo

If I could, I would have voted for myself for the Ballon d’Or—that is “the golden ball” and often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award—, Portuguese international football team and Spain’s FC Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo told France Football. He believes he is the 2012 player of the year.

The Portuguese national squad captain will have to vote for the player of the year, but he cannot votes in his own favor. Argentinean national team and Spain’s FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi faces the same task, too. 

To note, the names of the three nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or will be made public on November 29 and the winner will be announced on January 7, 2013. The national team managers, captains, and sports journalists will vote to determine the three candidates.