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Published 10:22 4 Oct 2016 BST
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Having shared the award between them since 2008, nobody is really expecting a third party candidate to break-up the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, so speculation is pretty much limited to picking one Galactico over the other.
In September Messi's former conductor, Xavi, caused consternation in the Spanish capital when he claimed "anyone who likes football" would choose the Argentine over Ronaldo.
Now, on reflection (and perhaps considering Ronaldo starred for Real's Champions League-winning team and managed Portugal to Euro final glory after dragging them to the final), the Spanish maestro has admitted the former Manchester United man has a shot at glory.
"Cristiano has the numbers to win this year's Ballon d'Or, having won the Champions League and the Euros," said Xavi. "But I also think that it'll be very competitive, because Messi will be there, of course."
Xavi has been on that podium (much to the consternation of the Daily Mail, above) and knows what it takes to win, despite never quite managing to break up that Ronaldo-Messi duopoly.
Xavi thinks Ronaldo has a shot, but as long as the tax-dodging, xenophobic, misogynist, nose-bunting puller doesn't win, does anyone really care?
The GAA Hour pays tribute to the unbeatable Dubs and ask where did it all go wrong for Mayo in the All-Ireland final replay. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes.
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