Brazil legend Pele has said Cristiano Ronaldo should have won the 2012 Ballon D’or ahead of Barcelona forward Leo Messi.
In an interview with Madrid-based daily AS, the former Santos star stated Ronaldo’s form and success with Real Madrid in 2012 should have seen him secure the award.
The Portuguese attacker enjoyed a sensational season that year and led his team to La Liga success, with Los Blancos breaking records for both the number of points gained and goals scored.
Pele said: In terms of football, I say Messi, but in terms of successes I think Ronaldo deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. He won La Liga with Real Madrid.
“I was at FIFA presenting the award on two occasions. Cristiano was close on both occasions, but Messi always had more.”
