Nice of France on loan striker Mario Balotelli has backed Uruguayan and Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez to end Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s stranglehold on the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award.
The Italian striker said the trio were in a three-horse race, but felt Suarez was the most deserving to grab the most prestigious individual recognition.
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award since 2008, with the Argentine winning five times to Ronaldo’s three.
However, the Madrid forward became the favourite for this year’s gong after helping Portugal to Euro 2016 glory in France and Real with the Champions League.
Suarez received the European Gold Shoe award last season after his 40 goals fired Barcelona to the Liga title.
Balotelli told Telefoot, “Cristiano, Messi or Suarez [will win].
“But to be honest, I would give it to Suarez.”
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