Pepe: 'It would be an embarrassment if Cristiano doesn't win the Ballon d'Or'

Add Pepe to the endless list of players who believe Cristiano Ronaldo deserves this year's Ballon d'Or.

In conversation with Portuguese daily A Bola, the Portuguese centre-back claimed that it would be an embarrassment if his Real Madrid and international teammate didn't win the award for a second consecutive year, particularly given his recent form in front of goal.

"I think that whatever player receives the Ballon d'Or this year could only feel embarrassment with everything that Cristiano has been doing, breaking one record after another," Pepe said. "Can anyone admit that Ronaldo isn't the winner of the trophy?

"Only three months into the season and Cristiano has scored an incredible figure of 23 goals. What more can be done for recognition? He's already the the best player of all time and it would be a scandal and an embarrassment if he didn't get the Ballon d'Or in a year where the different between him and others was clearer than ever."

Through 10 La Liga matchdays, Ronaldo has notched an astounding 18 goals and five assists, while also registering three goals and one assist in four Champions League appearances.