Carlo Ancelotti thinks Cristiano Ronaldo warrants winning The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2016, and that he could seize the award for several years to come if he adapts into an out-and-out striker.

Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi are the final three in the running for individual glory at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in Zurich on 9 January 2017.

"Ronaldo won the Champions League and the European Championship," said Ancelotti. "He did better than the others this year. The prize is logical. I can’t say how long he can continue at this level, but I don’t think he’s too old yet. Playing further forward could have an influence in this.

"He is already playing more in the centre, and with time he should drop deep less and stay up front, not getting involved so much in the play. I believe that for three or four years he can maintain this high level."

Ancelotti coached Ronaldo for two years at Real Madrid, during which time they won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup™. The Bayern Munich coach envisions the battle for The Best FIFA Men’s Player gong being between his former pupil and Messi for a while longer.

“Over the next two or three years Ronaldo can win more,” said Ancelotti. “The same goes for Messi. The others will have to wait a bit longer, like Lewandowski. We can help them as a team by winning many trophies.”