Figo backs Raul for Golden Ball

Current European Football of the Year Luis Figo has named a number of worthy candidates to succeed him, but tips team-mate Raul to win the award.

Figo admitted he could be handed the award a second time even though his belief tells him his successor will be his Real Madrid team-mate and good friend, striker Raul.

"I'd like to win it again this year, when you've won it once, you have to try and win it again."

"I'm convinced this will be close, and players like (Zinedine) Zidane, Rivaldo, Raul, (Francesco) Totti, (Gabriel) Batistuta, Rui Costa and (Michael) Owen are the favourites."

"However, I have to choose Raul because he is a phenomenon, he deserves it and he is in a good position to achieve it. I can't forget Rui Costa or even David Beckham, although I rather like (Ryan) Giggs from Manchester," said Figo.

"I'd pick Raúl hands down for all the goals he's scored both in the league and the Champions League. He's a phenomenon in terms of consistency, I sincerely want him to win it this time," Figo told France Football.

If Raúl did win the award he would be only the third Real Madrid player to have lifted the trophy following in the footsteps of footballing great, Alfredo Di Stefano and Figo.