After inspiring his Portugal side to a 2-0 Euro 2016 semi-final victory over Wales on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo may well have taken the lead in the race for the Ballon d'Or.

A second-half goal and assist for teammate Nani secured victory on a night when he faced a big challenge from his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale.

While Portugal have been far from impressive during the summer, reaching the final with only their first win in 90 minutes, when the votes are cast for the world's best, no one will remember performances, only results.

In January, when Lionel Messi lifted his fifth individual crown, it seemed as though Ronaldo was finished, but lifting the Champions League and reaching a European final on the international stage have reinvigorated him.

Meanwhile, Messi's disastrous summer, defeat to Chile on penalties in the Copa America final and an early retirement with Argentina, have left the race wide open ahead of next season.