Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo has "certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world."
Rooney and Ronaldo were teammates for several seasons at Manchester United.
Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or for his play in 2013 and Rooney expects him to retain the trophy this time around.
"I think so," he replied when asked by MUTV if Ronaldo would win again. "He's had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world.
"I'm sure it'll be difficult to give it to anyone else."