Cristiano Ronaldo has already won Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi? Spanish media claims so

Madrid: Real Madrid's talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo will be awarded this year`s Ballon d`Or if reports in the Spanish press are to be trusted.

Mundo Deportivo, a Barcelona-based newspaper has claimed that the Portugal superstar will win football`s top individual award for the fourth time.

Ronaldo, along with Argentina and FC Barcelona player Lionel Messi, France and Atletico de Madrid striker Antoinne Griezmann and Uruguayan and Barca player Luis Suarez, were in the race for the coveted prize.

Mundo Deportivo claimed that the winner has already been chosen.

Ronaldo was a front runner to win the coveted award after inspiring Zinedine Zidane`s side to the Champions League glory and leading Portugal to Euro 2016 trophy.

If reports come true, Ronaldo will lift the award for the fourth time, thus closing the gap to long-time rival, Messi who has lifted the award for a record five times.

Ronaldo, who won the prestigious gong in 2008, 2013 and 2014, scored a total of 51 goals in all competitions for Madrid last season.

The prestigious individual prize will be judged solely by a panel of journalists after FIFA World Player of the Year award and Ballon d`Or ended their partnership this year. The Ballon d`Or ceremony is slated to take place on January 9.