Luis Figo has spoken out ahead of next month's FIFA Ballon d'Or gala where either

Luis Figo has spoken out ahead of next month's FIFA Ballon d'Or gala where either Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Andres Iniesta will be crowned as the world's best player.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo former winner Luis Figo claimed that compatriot Ronaldo deserved the honour, "There's nothing to stop him [Ronaldo] from winning it.

"He is one of the favorites to win all the individual trophies there are, even more so this year, because I think he had a good season in the league and did well at the Euros.

"There are a lot of people involved in the choice, so it is always difficult to know who will win."

Figo went on to describe his pride at winning the award in 2000 and suggested that it was harder to win back then, "It was one of the most special moments in my career on the individual side of things, because there are few players who have the opportunity to win this trophy.

"At the time, there were lots of players who were in with a shout, whilst now there are four or five big candidates. It was a privilege and a proud moment for me."

KHALIL MORTAZAVI/ SULAKANBUKAN