Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable run of success can continue with a fourth FIFA award as the world’s best player on Monday.
A European champion with club and country last year, the Real Madrid and Portugal forward is favored to beat great rival Lionel Messi and France forward Antoine Griezmann when winners of the rebranded Best FIFA Football Awards are presented in Zurich.
Messi leads Ronaldo 5-3 in their career-long duel for FIFA’s top individual prize.
However, Ronaldo is set to complete a hat-trick of major awards for 2016 after taking home trophies presented by UEFA and France Football magazine’s prestigious Golden Ball.
FIFA will also name the best women’s player, and the best coaches in men’s and women’s soccer.
Voting is by national team captains and coaches, selected journalists and — for the first time — an online poll of fans. Each category counts for 25 percent of the points.
Here is a look ahead to the awards ceremony:
After Messi in 2015, it was Ronaldo’s turn to win the Champions League in 2016 as the prolific scorer netted 16 goals in the competition.
He also got the decisive penalty in a shootout after a 1-1 draw with Griezmann’s Atletico Madrid.