France Football awards Cristiano Ronaldo a 4th Ballon d'Or

The Alvalade shotstopper Rui Patrício was named as the world's 12th best player this week by France Football.

The Portuguese international, who was also named as the Euro 2016 Goalkeeper of the Tournament, tallied a total of 6 points and finished ahead of the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba, Robert Lewandowski, Dimitri Payet, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the overall winner of the prestigious Ballon d'Or, with the Alvalade prodigy winning the award for a 4th time.

Alvalade keeper topping this year's top-30

Who should win the 2016 Ballon D'Or? According to Eurosport, Rui Patrício leads the way, ahead of a pack which includes Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez (Barcelona), and Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid).

If you also think Patrício should scoop the award, then vote here here.

You can also show your preference on the France Football website here.

Alvalade shotstopper joins Portuguese contingent of Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo in final short list

France Football has announced the short list for the Ballon D'Or nomination this week, with Rui Patrício making the cut along with fellow Portugal stars Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

French magazine on Sporting's football factory

The article opens with a statement from Bruno de Carvalho, in December 2015: “Cristiano Ronaldo was trained here. That is message directly for Dubai." Three months later, France Football has highlighted the power of Sporting's very own football factory, the Sporting Academy, for having "trained two of the three Portuguese Ballon d'Or winners."

Over two pages, the article makes reference to Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well Sporting's role as the major provider of players for the national team.

France Football also speaks about Sporting's Luso-Frenchman, Adrien. "It is a dream come true, but it was hard being away from my family", explains Adrien, before thanking the club "for training me as a player, but more importantly as a person."

Sporting forward claims France Football award

Last week France Football launched a competition to name January's African Player of the Month. In the running were Islam Slimani, Hakim Ziyech (FC Twente, Morroco) and Cheick Diabaté (Bordeux, Mali). At final polling, the Sporting striker finished miles ahead, with a stunning 84% of the vote on the back of 8 goals in just 6 matches.

Speaking with France Football, the Algerian proved happy with his current form, but was keen to highlight his teammates: "I work everyday with my teammates and it is them who give me so many opportunities to score. My job is to score", affirmed Slimani, answering a question on his tough approach to the game: "It comes from my time in Algeria. It hasn't been easy, especially at first with the national team and my club. I accept criticism, but it seems like it has been a bit exaggerated. The truth is that only makes me stronger. It is that anger that makes me never give up."

Coach Jorge Jesus also received praise from the in-form target man: "He is a world class coach and I am not exaggerating. To work with him every day is a pleasure. He helps us improve and you can see that on the pitch. Sometimes he insists in the detail and it might seem like it isn't important, but you quickly understand what he is tryng to do. Tactically, Jorge Jesus is a genius."

Alvalade forward up for France Football award

Until 22h tonight (Friday) you can vote on France Football's website for African Player of the Month. Alvalade hitman Islam Slimani is in the running, along with Cheick Diabaté (Bordéus, Mali)and Hakim Ziyech (FC Twente, Morocco). The Sporting forward has netted a total of 16 goals so far this season, with performances that have kept Sporting at the top of Liga NOS.

Slimani has already been in the spotlight, after his showing against Braga on Liga NOS matchday 17. With 13 goals at the time, he was Africa's third best scorer in European football. His current tally of 16 has moved him up to second, bettered only by Pierre Aubameyand.

You can vote here.