Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a record sixth Ballon d'Or on Monday night as the prize went to his former Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric.

The Portuguese was ranked second, followed by World Cup winners Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.

Most puzzlingly, Lionel Messi slipped all the way down to fifth, which for some is an indictment of the award itself.

The Argentine's camp have kept their cool over the affair, although Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde branded it "absurd" in a press conference.

However, the same can't be said of those close to Ronaldo.

The Juventus forward's sister blamed "mafia and f******g money" in an extraordinary Instagram rant, while another friend, Miguel Paixao, slammed it as a "great lack of respect", per Marca.

Indeed, since moving to Turin, he has maintained the high level he set for himself at the Bernabeu, scoring 10 goals in his 14 Serie A appearances so far, helping the Old Lady open up an eight-point gap at the top of the table.

The 33-year-old's new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, has been very impressed with his attitude too, claiming he might well have been recognised once again as the world's best.

Allegri responds to Ronaldo being overlooked 

"Cristiano Ronaldo would have deserved the Ballon d'Or because of what he did in the Champions League with Real Madrid," the Bianconeri boss said, via Tuttosport.

"With Portugal at the World Cup later, he could not really go. But the victory of Luka Modric will be a stimulus for him, to do even better and regain the sixth trophy next year with Juventus.

''He has increased the great level of professionalism that has always been at Juventus.

"He is an extraordinary player, a humble guy who has entered very well in the group and adds great competitiveness in every training.

"He is an example for young people, despite his successes and 33 years he still takes care of every detail. To get to his level the technical qualities, it's still not enough for him."

Allegri may have touched on something there - in a World Cup year, achievements with the national team are absolutely crucial and Modric starred as Croatia reached their first ever final.

Yet he has also given an insight into Ronaldo's mentality in the aftermath of the snub.

It is only going to inspire him onto more great things and just maybe, that's why he already has five gongs on his mantelpiece. 

Should Ronaldo have won the Ballon d'Or? Have your say in the comments.