Poker Crazy - Online Poker Rooms

Football: Ronaldo tipped to win Balon D'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo is the new favourite in the football betting for the FIFA Ballon d'Or after his hat-trick against Sweden helped Portugal secure qualification for next summer’s World Cup finals. 

Ronaldo’s odds have significantly shortened on the back of Portugal’s 4-2 aggregate victory over the Swedes, replacing Bayern Munich midfielder, Franck Ribery, as the favourite for the award, with current holder, Lionel Messi, slipping further down the odds in third. 

Following the extension to the Ballon d'Or vote until the end of November, Ronaldo’s sensational performance for Portugal gives him an advantage over his rivals. The Real Madrid star has scored 32 goals in 20 games this season, including five hat-tricks, taking his total for the calendar year to 66 goals in 55 games.

Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or back in 2008, has made it clear he is happy with his achievements this year regardless of whether or not he wins the award ahead of Ribery and Messi. 

"I do not live my life obsessed with titles and do not have to show anything to anyone, because I have shown my worth, I've done 40/50 goals every season and it is not within the reach of anyone. I know what I am,” insisted the former Manchester United star. 

While the Real forward now looks to be in with a great chance of pipping Ribery and Messi to this year’s Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo will be focused on making sure his Portugal side can be a presence in next summer’s World Cup. 

The 28-year old is already a favourite of fans who bet on football to finish next year’s tournament as the golden boot winner, but much of that could depend on the Portuguese reaching the latter stages of the competition.