Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo struck a hat-trick in victory at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Zidane stated: "I've never had any doubts that Cristiano is the best, and tonight ends that debate."

He added: "We have to keep on doing what we're doing. We haven't won anything yet. We're aware of the tough challenges we have ahead of us."