The Italian international came second behind fellow countryman Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, but it would be a huge accolade for a person of his experience.
Ronaldo beat Griezmann to the award last yearGetty ImagesBut Griezmann has tipped evergreen Juventus keeper Gigi Buffon to win the awardAP:Associated Press
The last person who wasn’t Real’s Ronaldo or Barcelona’s Messi to win the award was Kaka in 2007 – and CR7 is hot favourite after another stunning season.
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Griezmann remains tightlipped regarding his future, but says he is happy at AtleticoRex Features
Messi is of course his brilliant best as per usual – but Buffon is on course to win the treble at Juve for the first time in his career.
In an interview with El Larguero, Griezmann said: “”Juventus will win the Champions League and therefore Gigi Buffon the Ballon d’Or.
Buffon is so popular, the Pope even gets to meet him…EPA
Despite United courting the 26-year-old Frenchman, Griezmann added he is happy at Atletico: "Our objectives will become clear with the signings that the president makes.
"I am very happy at Atletico, Gil Marin and my agent have had a conversation. I do not see myself in China.
"I want titles, team titles, I will give everything at Atletico for that."
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