Hamburger SV striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes that Cristiano Ronaldo will only win the award for best player in the world over Lionel Messi if he lifts the World Cup with Portugal.
The diminutive Argentine is red hot favourite to lift the FIFA World Player of the Year award for a second time following Ronaldo's trophyless season at Real Madrid.
But Van Nistelrooy, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United for three years, thinks that a successful campaign by Portugal in South Africa can see the Madrid star lift the prestigious award.
"They are two fantastic players. Cristiano Ronaldo is not favourite this season to win the award for best player in the world," he told Diario de Noticias.
"He has not conquered anything and Messi was champion in Spain. I believe that the title for best in the world could be defined at the World Cup.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will have to shine or win the World Cup to be the best again. Titles are very important in these things."
Van Nistelrooy, who is not part of Holland's 23-man squad in South Africa, did not include his own national side as favourites for the World Cup.
"Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Italy have the advantage. But I believe there could be surprises. It will be, for sure, a World Cup with great teams," he added. | | |
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