Real Madrd legend Roberto Carlos insists Cristiano Ronaldo remains the best in world.

He insists Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or is proof enough of his status.

"These days, when you talk about football, you talk about Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo," the former Real Madrid and Brazil full-back told Fox Sports.

"Cristiano has worked to improve. When you talk about the Ballon d'Or or any other prize, it's not just any person who votes, it's people who know football, who follow the stats of the players and pick the best in the world."

The Portugal international won the Ballon d'Or for the fifth time in his career this year.