Ronaldo to win Ballon D'Or: Pele

RIO DE JANEIRO - Cristiano Ronaldo is set to win the Ballon D'Or for the world's best player in 2013, according to Brazil legend Pele.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (C) celebrates his goal against Celta Vigo during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid January 6, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

The winner of the football's most coveted individual award will be announced during a gala ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

"The principal award will go to Ronaldo," Pele told Brazilian media upon arriving in Switzerland on Sunday.

The 72-year-old also revealed he would receive a special retrospective honor during the event.

"When I played there was no Ballon D'Or, so FIFA has decided to pay tribute to the the only player to win three World Cups," Pele said.

Ronaldo, who won the award in 2008, is vying for the accolade alongside four-time winner Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.