C Ronaldo can overtake Messi to win more Ballon d'Or, says Zidane

PARIS - Zinedine Zidane insists that Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has more to give in the future and will end up winning more Ballon d'Or titles than rival Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo holds up his FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy prior to their King's Cup round of 16 second leg soccer match against Atletico Madrid, in Madrid, January 15, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

"Ronaldo will win more Ballons d'Or," he told Goal.com on Monday.

A week ago in Zurich, the 29-year-old Portuguese striker was crowned the world's best player of 2014 for the third time overall, leaving him just one behind his Argentine counterpart.

"What he's doing is from another planet. If this continues, he will improve even further and may end up winning more than Messi," said the iconic Zidane, 42, who's coaching Real reserves Castilla after retiring from soccer with Real.

The former France international had a lot to say about compatriot Karim Benzema, saying he's exceptional for Los Blancos.

"He is another very important player. Sometimes it is discussed whether to change to him to a No.9 for Madrid and it's wrong. All wrong," said Zidane.

"He is not a player who will score 60 goals a year like Cristiano, but thanks to his quality, he links up with everyone and always makes the moves that the team needs," he added. "Very few in the world can do that."