Winning Ballon d´Or is not out of this world, Ramos claims

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos believes the idea he could win the Ballon d’Or is not crazy.

Ramos enjoyed an excellent year as he helped Madrid to a Liga and Champions League double, the club becoming the first to successfully defend the latter competition in its current guise.

While Ramos’ contributions at both ends have been pivotal to Madrid’s success, the centre-back cedes the limelight to their star-studded attack, led by Ballon d’Or favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who netted twice in the 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus and posted an excellent scoring rate of 42 goals in 46 games in all competitions in 2016-17, would make it a fourth Ballon d’Or in five years should he win the award for the fifth time and equal Lionel Messi’s record.

But asked about the prospect of winning the trophy himself, Ramos told Marca: “It depends. I’d have to know what they value to award that prize.

“These last years have been all about both Leo and Cristiano, but, for example, [Fabio] Cannavaro, who was my partner, also won.

“You never see it as crazy. I have achieved lots of things throughout my career that are very, very good but if they rewarded me with a Ballon d’Or, that would be historical.”

“Zidane’s secret is how he’s managed to translate the humility and simplicity he had as a player into management
realmadrid.com

There has been widespread speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future, with local reports claiming he felt let down by a lack of support from Madrid following allegations of tax fraud by Spanish prosecutors – claims the Portugal captain has strenuously denied.

Striker Alvaro Morata was heavily linked with Manchester United before they agreed a fee for Romelu Lukaku, and Premier League champions Chelsea are now being talked up as a potential destination for the Spain international.