Should one hat-trick effectively mean Ronaldo wins the Ballon d’Or?

Cristiano Ronaldo has certainly done more in the last 12 months than score one hat-trick to ensure Portugal’s participation at the 2014 World Cup, but it is looking increasingly like this act of individualism will almost single-handedly win him the Ballon d’Or.

Before his treble against Sweden, Ronaldo was 2/1 to win the Ballon d’Or, which made him the second favourite behind Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery.

However, Ronaldo is now as short as 4/11 to lift the Ballon d’Or and although few could argue against this accolade being deserved, this is a massive price shift on the back of one hat-trick.

Ronaldo has now scored five hat-tricks this season, as part of 38 goals for club and country in just 27 games, and it is a fair argument that if he doesn’t lift the FIFA prize this year, then he never will.

The fact that almost straight after Ronaldo’s treble, FIFA decided to delay the conclusion of the Ballon d’Or voting does enhance suspicion that he is a preferred winner over Ribery, Lionel Messi and co.

The reason given for the new deadline is to allow the national team managers and captains that had failed to vote, another opportunity to make their decisions, with speculation being that voting numbers were at an all-time low.

But interestingly, those that had already voted are also being allowed to change their minds.

Ribery’s case for the award hasn’t changed. Where Ronaldo may have gone wild from an international viewpoint, this has not resulted in an any additions to his trophy cabinet.

Ribery won the small thing of the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup trophies and this should still be rewarded. But, the French winger is now 9/4 to win the Ballon d’Or.

Let us know what you think in the comments below?

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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