FC Bayern Munich's forward Franck Ribery stated that, as long as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continue to play football, it is impossible for any other footballer to win the Ballon d'Or award. According to the Frenchman, the prize for the best player is awarded due to political circumstances.
Messi and Ronaldo have won the Ballon d'Or for the past seven years, and Ribery believes that surpassing this duo in the awards is impossible.
"As long as Ronaldo and Messi are playing, the third nominated player must understand that he has no chance," Ribery told AZ.
"Every year - the same story. I don't know what needs to be achieved to win this award. Winning the World Cup is no longer enough."
"Neuer has been the best goalkeeper in the world for the past two or three years. He has won many titles with Bayern, triumphed in the World Cup, and was the best player in his position in that tournament. However, these achievements are not enough. I don't understand it."
"When another Bayern player is nominated, we should consider whether it is even worth participating in the ceremony. What's the point? To take a picture? In my eyes, it's just politics."
In 2013, Ribery himself was among the top three best footballers in the world. Led by the Frenchman, Bayern won all possible trophies - the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and was the strongest in the UEFA Champions League.
