Mario Balotelli has said he believes Luis Suarez, rather than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, should win the Ballon d'Or.

Messi and Ronaldo have shared the coveted prize between them since Kaka won it in 2007 -- but Nice striker Balotelli feels Suarez has done enough in 2016 to end their run.

The Uruguay international scored 40 goals in La Liga last season as Barca won the title, winning the European Golden Shoe and ending the campaign with 59 goals in all competitions.

He and Messi are tied on eight goals apiece from 11 games this season after both scored in Sunday's victory over Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

"Cristiano, Messi or Suarez [will win]," Balotelli told Telefoot. "But to be honest, I would give it to Suarez."

Mario Balotelli says Luis Suarez, rather than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, should win the Ballon d'Or. Getty Images

Suarez came fifth in last year's Ballon d'Or behind Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski, and is one of a number of players who could find themselves on the podium at the France Football event in December.

Following the split between France Football and FIFA, another individual award will also be up for grabs this year.

World football's governing body has announced the launch of its own accolade, with Suarez among 23 players nominated for the Best FIFA Men's Player 2016 award.

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Gerard Pique has said Messi should have won every Ballon d'Or since 2009.

Portugal captain Ronaldo is considered favourite for the 2016 Ballon d'Or after winning the Champions League and Euro 2016, but Pique wrote on Twitter: "If the Ballon d'Or was given to the best player in the world, Leo would have won it every year since 2009. On another level."