Ronaldo doesn’t believe Lionel Messi should win a seventh Ballon d’Or this season.

Instead, the legendary Brazilian striker reckons Real Madrid star Karim Benzema should win the illustrious award for the first time.

Writing on Facebook, Ronaldo explained, via the Mirror: “Without a doubt, my candidate for the Ballon d’Or is Benzema. The best striker, brutal level for 10 years and champion above all. Don’t you think?”

The Ballon d’Or shortlist was recently announced and contains 30 names including Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as candidates from the Premier League, including, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling.

Messi is the favourite to scoop the award with Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho also strong contenders.

Benzema is one of only two candidates from Real Madrid, alongside former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, showing the La Liga giant’s decline in recent seasons.