The clouds overshadowing Ronaldo will dissipate in Paris today

It will not be just another Ballon d'Or for Ronaldo. It could well turn into one of the most important awards he takes home in a career full of successes. Always in Lionel Messi's shadow, the Portuguese striker will most likely level with the Argentine. Something that seemed unthinkable a few years ago, will be a reality. At least for now, he will be on a par with Messi.

Thanks to his enormous ambition and thirst for titles, Ronaldo will be awarded the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time. His impressive individual figures were the cornerstone of Real Madrid's collective glory: La Liga, Champions League and European and Spanish Supercups, as well as a Club World Cup triumph last term.

Due to an unparalleled trophy cabinet in 2017, Ronaldo will reclaim the throne of world football for a second consecutive season. Starting at 20.00 CET, the ceremony in Paris will take place opposite the Eiffel Tower, an ideal setting for Ronaldo to be crowned the best footballer in the world yet again.

The decision is so unanimous that his official sports brand Nike have already created a pair of boots to commemorate the occasion. Tonight there will be a new shuffle at the summit of world football. "Why not here? Why not now? What better place than Paris to dream?".