Cristiano Ronaldo expected to receive his fifth Ballon d’Or Thursday

According to credible sources, Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will receive his fifth career Ballon d’Or on Thursday in Paris beating out rival Lionel Messi. Here are the details.

Well ladies and gentlemen, it appears that the rumors of Messi beating out Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or for 2017 were nothing more than rumors. In early November, football fans across social media platforms were shocked when a leaked French magazine cover featured a congratulatory message for Messi for winning the award this year.

However, it now seems relatively certain now that it will not be the Barca man who receives the coveted award. It will be Cristiano Ronaldo instead.

Monday featured stories and pictures from trusted media outlets claiming that Cristiano will receive his fifth Ballon d’Or in his career after winning the award three of the last four years (2013, 2014, and 2016).

The award show is set to take place Thursday night in Paris and it will be held at the iconic Eiffel Tower, with CR7 hoisting the trophy at the top.

I don’t like to look too deeply into rumors, but from what I’m seeing, all signs point to Ronaldo earning the award yet again.

Even Nike has mocked up a picture of their spokesman in honor of his winning the award.

Those who have closely followed Ronaldo for the last year are sure to agree that the Portuguese international is deserving of the award as he helped Real Madrid to a FIFA Club World Cup title, a La Liga title, and their second consecutive Champions League title since receiving the award for his incredible 2016 campaign.

Ronaldo will travel to Paris Wednesday night following Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund in Madrid.

Next: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund: Champions League match preview

We will have more coverage on the award ceremony right here so stay tuned to The Real Champs for more!