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Wayne Rooney believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world and will retain his Ballon d'Or at the end of the year.

The Manchester United captain says that his former Old Trafford teammate has now overtaken Barcelona's Lionel Messi in the running for the title.

He added that he thinks it will be difficult to give the gong to anyone other than Ronaldo, who has been in inspired form in 2014, who has scored 46 goals in 42 games this calender year, as oppose to Messi's 38 in 44.

The Portuguese international also has an incredible 23 goals in 17 games this season, as he powered himself to becoming the clear bookmakers' favourite for the title.

Ronaldo vs Messi in 2014 Cristiano Ronaldo 58 apps, 60 goals, 21 assists. Lionel Messi 65 apps, 58 goals, 21 assists. Source: messivsronaldo.net

Ronaldo picked up yet another award in the week when he collected the third Golden Shoe of his career, and celebrated the success with his Real Madrid teammates during a training session.

The Golden Shoe is handed out to the top goalscorer in Europe.

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Speaking to MUTV, Rooney revealed that he is confident the Portuguese man will take home the Ballon d'Or at the end of this year.

He said: "He's had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world.

"I'm sure it'll be difficult to give it to anyone else."

Ronaldo is now aiming to become one of the greatest players of all time and was quoted in Spanish newspapers during the week as saying that he thinks he has 'a lot of years left' at Real Madrid.