Real Madrid defender Marcelo has offered Cristiano Ronaldo words of support after he missed out on the 2012 Fifa Ballon d’Or at Monday’s annual gala in Zurich.

The Portugal international had to settle for second spot behind Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who won the individual award for the fourth time in succession, but Marcelo has stressed that his team-mate remains an extraordinary player.

“Cristiano Ronaldo was not able to win the Ballon d’Or but we know he is a fantastic player and capable of anything,” Marcelo was quoted as saying on the Madrid website.

“Cristiano helps us a lot and I wanted him to win the prize. I am sure he will bring us a lot of joy.”

Meanwhile, fellow Madrid colleagues Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas offered similar words of encouragement for the former Manchester United man.

“We would have liked Cristiano to have won his second award, but it was not to be, although he is a fantastic player,” Ramos stated.

“With respect to the Ballon d’Or, I think they have been the three best players, and in the end Messi won it.

“I would like to congratulate him from here, but it is a pity, because we wanted Cristiano to get his second Ballon d’Or.”

Ronaldo last won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, and has since finished as runner-up on three occasions.