The president of the Spanish Professional Football League says Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

Javier Tebas believes that Cristiano Ronaldo would be a worthy winner of this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or.

"Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or," Tebas told Radio Marca. "I would give it to Cristiano because I feel that he has been the best player during the past year. Messi has been good but not quite at the same level as Cristiano. On other occasions I would have given it to Messi but right now, it has to be Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I am, of course, talking about this year; Messi has spent more seasons in the football elite but as of the moment, Cristiano is at a better level, Messi is slightly behind him."