For Cristiano Ronaldo, the number one career objective has always been crystal clear: become the greatest footballer of all time.The world-class forward has continually silenced the doubters throughout his illustrious career and is now unquestionably one of football’s all-time greats.And he will add further weight to the argument that he really is the G.O.A.T, if the bookmakers’ odds are to be believed, at the 2018 Ballon d’Or ceremony later this year.Ronaldo is currently the overwhelming favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League in May, while also scoring 44 goals in as many matches during the 2017-18 campaign.If successful, this will be his sixth Ballon d’Or award - and he will find himself one ahead of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, who won his fifth Ballon d’Or in January 2016.It would be complete a remarkable turnaround from Ronaldo, who trailed Messi 4-1 back in January 2013.There were plenty of football fans back then who couldn’t see Cristiano winning another one Ballon d’Or award - let alone another four and now potentially five before 2019.

What football fans were saying about Ronaldo in 2013

Some of the reaction on social media towards Ronaldo from five-and-a-half years ago, when Messi won his fourth Ballon d’Or, looks very interesting now.

It’s just a surprise that these tweets haven’t been deleted in embarrassment.

Rule number one: never write off Ronaldo. He will only end up proving you wrong.

The Portuguese maestro is now with Juventus, following nine seasons at the Bernabeu, and will be desperate to add to his Ballon d’Or tally in Turin.

Ronaldo is convinced he's the greatest

Any other 33-year-old wouldn’t even dream of setting their sights on winning world football’s most prestigious individual accolade - but Ronaldo is no ordinary 33-year-old.

"You know, I respect everyone's preferences. But I don't see anyone better than me. I always thought that,” Ronaldo revealed in an interview last December.

"No other footballer does things that I am not capable of doing myself. But I see that I do things that others can't do. There's no player more complete than me. I play well with two feet, I'm fast, powerful, good with headers, I score goals, I deliver assists.

"People have the right to prefer Neymar or Messi. But I insist: There is no one more complete than me.

"You will go and say that I have a big head, but when you're at the top, it's normal that you're criticised. ... I am the best player in history, in both good and bad times."

Is Cristiano Ronaldo now the GOAT? Have your say below.