Ronaldo to strike gold again?

On 28th October, FIFA will publish a preliminary list of 23 candidates gunning for the 2014 Ballon d'Or, but it will not be until 12th January 2015 when we know the identity of the man whose name will be celebrated just like Ronaldo was himself, in January this year.

With less than 100 days until the winner is announced, the Portuguese star is once again leading the pack. A blistering 42 goals in 40 matches so far this calendar year coupled with club success in the Champions League, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup make for an impressive profile. Cristiano also received the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award in late August, and we must not forget that he was the top goalscorer across the major European leagues (he shared the Golden Shoe accolade with Luis Suárez) and in the Champions League last season. He set a new record in Europe's top club competition with a staggering 17 strikes.

His only Achilles heel is the World Cup. Portugal were unable to progress beyond the group stage and Ronaldo's tournament performances were far from awe-inspiring. If there is one man who can also stake a claim to this year's Ballon d'Or, it is Lionel Messi. The Argentine has scored 38 times so far in 2014, just four fewer than Ronaldo, although he has a lower goal per game ratio (0.82 compared with 1.05).

Although the Barcelona star has not won a single trophy with club or country this year, he was awarded the FIFA Golden Ball for his performances during Argentina's run to the final in Brazil, a decision that sparked debate the world over.