Xavi has rubbished Cristiano Ronaldo's status as the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, pointing out that the Portuguese "did not do much at the World Cup".

And he revealed the Real Madrid ace would not even make his top three.

The Portuguese won the award for 2013 and is widely expected to retain his title in January after a year in which he fired Los Blancos to Champions League glory and played a key role in the Spanish side's remarkable run of 23 victories in all competitions.

However, Xavi does not believe that the 29-year-old would be worthy winner, given a Ronaldo-led Portugal suffered a dismal first-round elimination at Brazil 2014, while Ballon d'Or rivals Manuel Neuer and Lionel Messi both featured in the final, for Germany and Argentina, respectively.

"He didn't do much in the World Cup, and in a World Cup year, the season is defined by that," said the former Spain international.

"[In first place I would have] Leo, second [Philipp] Lahm, and third [Javier] Mascherano."

Xavi also dismissed reports that Lionel Messi is unsettled at Barcelona, with the Argentine having caused panic in Catalunya by stating in November that he might not stay at Camp Nou.

"He is happier than ever," the veteran midfielder stated.

But Madrid icon Roberto Carlos believes Ronaldo deserves to make it a double Ballon d'Or triumph.

He said: "I am a big fan of Lionel Messi, but Cristiano Ronaldo has been more impressive."

"He is living an incredible momentum. Everything he does goes right.

"He is a leader. I am not saying that because he is a Real Madrid player. This is not the point here.

"Messi is incredible and his history in football is marvellous. But we have to choose the best player in the season and that was Cristiano Ronaldo."

Carlos also believes that Brazil and Barcelona forward Neymar should have been on the final shortlist rather than Neuer, despite the Germany keeper's outstanding performances for club and country in a year in which he became a World Cup winner.

Carlos added: "Neymar... he is phenomenon, this boy. He got adapted to the European football very quick.

"He delivered great performances with Barca and Selecao.

"The thing is Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are getting better every day.

"Neymar is trying to reach their level but every time he comes close they just get better.

"We all know that it's really hard to give the Ballon d'Or to a goalkeeper or even a defender. Maybe (Fabio) Cannavaro and (Paolo) Maldini were the only exceptions.

"So in my opinion the three best players in the world this season were Cristiano, Messi and Neymar."