New Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Messi is widely tipped to win the 2012 Ballon d’Or, for what would be his fourth consecutive such honour.

That though would be harsh on Ronaldo in the opinion of Scolari, who has seen first hand not just how talented the forward is, but also just how hard he works, during his time as coach of Portugal.

And so, Scolari has insisted that he would vote for Ronaldo to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“I’ve seen them all play, of course, but I’ve only worked with Cristiano”, Scolari told FIFA.com.

“I think that he deserves the recognition, because of what he’s achieved with Manchester United, Portugal and Real Madrid”, he continued.

“I’d vote for him. He’s been spectacular for four or five years in a row now and has only won once, so I’d choose him.