Cristiano Ronaldo Beats Ribery to Ballon d'Or
The 2013 Ballon d'Or award remains a topic of discussion, with Ribery's impressive season and numerous titles with Bayern Munich making a strong case for his candidacy, and his comments have reignited the debate over the voting process and the criteria used to select the winner.
Franck Ribery, the former Bayern Munich and France star, still expresses frustration over missing out on the 2013 Ballon d'Or award, which was won by Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his remarkable year with Bayern Munich, where he led the team to a treble, including the Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal.
Ribery has stated that if the voting deadline had not been extended, he believes he would have won the award, and he considers the snub a "theft." He finished third in the ranking behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the most elite players in the world, who have both acknowledged Ribery's skills and place among the best. Ribery's impressive performances and numerous titles with Bayern Munich, including six trophies, have earned him respect from his peers.
The French forward has also praised young Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who has impressed with his performances and versatility, showing that Ribery still has an eye for talent and a passion for the sport. Despite his frustration over the 2013 Ballon d'Or, Ribery's legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation remains intact, and his contributions to Bayern Munich's success will always be remembered.
Ribery's comments highlight the competitive nature of the sport and the subjective voting process that often sparks debate and controversy. While he may never forget the sense of injustice he feels over missing out on the 2013 Ballon d'Or, his achievements on the pitch and the respect he has earned from his peers will forever be a part of his legacy.