Cristiano Ronaldo should be named the world's best player ahead of Lionel Messi despite his faltering form for Real Madrid, says Zinedine Zidane.
The 31 year old is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or after helping Portugal win Euro 2016.
But he has struggled to replicate his previous scoring form for the Spanish club this season, netting just four goals in nine appearances.
"He clearly deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Real Madrid boss Zidane.
"Not just at an individual level, but above all on a collective level.
"He knows everything he is achieving is thanks to his hard work and the work of those around him."