Phil Kitromildes takes a look at the candidates for the top prize in football and is backing the Real Madrid star to end his Barcelona counterpart's incredible run of wins

Having scored three goals and produced two scintillating performances at Euro 2012 Cristiano Ronaldo may have edged ahead of his arch rival Lionel Messi in the running for this year's Ballon d'Or.Paddy Power price the Portuguese international atto win the award and his escapades at the European Championship plus his 59 goals scored in all competitions for Real Madrid last season mean that although he is not leading the betting, he should be in pole position.Madrid's success in claiming the Spanish title will also aid his cause, adding credence to the theory that Ronaldo has been the most consistent performer at the highest level this year. Messi, however, scored more goals and his brilliance shows no signs of abating.The Argentine has won the Ballon d'Or for the last three years and while his performances at international have not gained the recognition that Ronaldo's did at Euro 2012, it would be unfair to suggest that he has failed to produce for the national side.Messi can be backed atto win for a fourth successive year, with himself and Ronaldo well clear of the rest in the betting.The closest to the pair is Andrea Pirlo, with the Italian's midfield masterclass against England during Euro 2012 helping elevate him to third favourite.Pirlo, whose grace and poise in midfield ensured that Juventus reclaimed the Scudetto while remaining unbeaten, as well as being at the heart of the Italian team that made the Euro 2012 final, is priced at. That's a price that has had a significant cut following the Azzurri's recent good form.