Cristiano Ronaldo names his four Ballon d’Or rivals as he tours China ahead of new season

CRISTIANO RONALDO has named his four main rivals for the Ballon d’Or as he looks to match Lionel Messi’s record of winning the coveted gong five times.

The Real Madrid star pipped Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann after winning Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Rex Features

Rex Features

He then inspired Los Blancos to victory in the Champions League and La Liga to stake a strong claim for the gong again.

And while on a promotional tour in China, the bookies' favourite for the 2017 award discussed his competition.

He told ESPN: "Of course it is always going to be a fight between us.

"I'm there along with [Lionel] Messi, Neymar, [Robert] Lewandowski and [Gonzalo] Higuain.

"That kind of fighting and competition is healthy and that is what motivates me, being better than them year after year.

"The best always try to compete with the best, it keeps you sharp. You know you can never lose focus because others will overtake you."

Rex Features

Rex Features

Ronaldo, 32, is yet to arrive for pre-season training after guiding Portugal to the Confederations Cup semi-finals.

He missed the third-place play-off to spend time with his newborn twins.

And the former Manchester United winger is set to become a dad for the fourth time as girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez is pregnant.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip in our live blog

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images