The Frenchman has complained about the lack of support he is given from his homeland, while lamenting the "injustice" of his failure to win the award
Franck Ribery has claimed that the 2013 Ballon d’Or was “stolen” from him.
The Bayern Munich star said that it is “incomprehensible” that Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the prize that season after he had enjoyed such a formidable season with the Bundesliga club.
The France winger led Bayern to domestic glory and played a leading role as they snatched the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Such exploits are generally seen to go hand in hand with winning the game’s greatest individual prize, but Ribery’s contribution was overlooked for that of Ronaldo. Indeed, he did not even finish second, with Lionel Messi pipping him for that spot.
“It was as if it was stolen from me,” Ribery told Canal Football Club. “It’s incomprehensible. I won every trophy, I couldn’t have done more. It was an injustice.”
The Frenchman grumbled that he did not have the support of his compatriots.
“I didn’t have my country behind me,” he claimed. “I saw it with my own eyes that the French said Cristiano should win. Did the Portuguese want it to be Ribery or Messi? Of course not.”
Ribery feels that he was made a scapegoat after France’s shambolic World Cup 2010 campaign, in which Raymond Domenech’s side crashed out at the group stage and even staged a strike against their coach by refusing to leave the team bus.
And the 34-year-old still points his finger at the media.
“In 2010, they needed someone to blame,” he said. “Everyone in France believed I was the problem – even my parents.
“I can’t forget the actions of certain French media. It’s a scar that stays with me, it was too much.”
Ribery’s current contract at Bayern expires at the end of the season.
Messigician9703
263
So true. That year, ribery deserved the ballon d'or. But what can I say, if ronaldo was voted, he also deserved it.
BigMaps
229
I dont even know how you found yourself among the three finalists,Robben deserved to be there and not you,,,
toeiklt
185
I have said it before. these awards are a complete joke. it has lost its credibility. there is some politics going on, in our football. lately, the awards are not won by best performers in the field of play. it's so embarrassing what we are seeing in our football lately. a player receives an award as the best player in the world, and a few weeks down the line, his team plays an important game against their rivals and they get beaten by three goals to nil in their on backyard. where was the so called best player in the world? he was like a baby in the field of play. people must know that the best player isn't the one who score many goals than others. we shouldn't overlook those who create those goals and those who defend, a team cannot win without defenders and midfielders. I know R.Madrid fans will be furious with me but that's the truth
abofeuy
147
He is right. The system of the golden ball has changed abnormally. For decades, the winner was the best performer in the year .... in competition, in titles. Ribery is the 2013 gold ball, greatly contributed to the victory of Munich in the major competition!
johnpeterfrancis
46
So true. That year, ribery deserved the ballon d'or. But what can I say, if ronaldo was voted, he also deserved it.
I think messi didn't deserve any awards because he is goal thirsty in the sense that barca made every player to give messi the ball when there are other great players they go to that club as high ranking players but only not tone better than messi, it's what they do buy all the best players keep them on the bench so messi can get all the fame, he is natural fruad.
Lunart
33
All that F.R is talking about are collective achievement!! But CR7 won many individual trophies!! CL Golden Booth LA Liga Golden Booth Europe Golden Shoe Copa D'Rey Joint Top Scorer!!! LA Liga Best Player!!! What More??? CR7 Was & Is The Deserved Winner of the 2013 Ballon D'or/World Best!!!