Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, backed Portugal and Real Madrid footballer Cristiano Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or trophy. The Spanish Prime Minister, who is a staunch supporter of Real Madrid, stated that the 28 year old Portugal captain deserved the award. However, he also praised Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

According to reports, Mariano Rajoy said the public radio hat he is a Real Madrid supporter and he has always been one. If he had to cast a vote, he would have voted for Ronaldo. Not just that, he told that Ronaldo is coming out as the favorite player to snatch Ballon d’Or this year.

On Tuesday, Ronaldo scored season’s his 5th hat-trick as they defeated Sweden to guarantee a place in the Brazil World Cup next year. The Spanish leader told that he scored 3 goals in Sweden. And according to him, he is in impressive form. He is a footballer who gives everything on the ground, someone who makes an allout effort.

The Portuguese’s chances to get Ballon dOr appeared to rise further when the world football governing body FIFA announced a 2 week extension to voting deadline. The date now goes to 29th November, suggesting a weak turnout, and letting participants to alter ballots already cast.

On the other hand, Catalan papers, which back Barcelona, criticized FIFA decision. The decision by FIFA came as Ronaldo goes top form and Messi being sidelined for 8 weeks with an injured hamstring muscle.