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Bayern Munich star attacker Franck Ribery has claimed that he felt the Fifa Ballon d'Or trophy is not given to the best player in the world and it is awarded by politics, rather than performances. Last year the French international lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo even though he guided Bayern Munich to a historic treble.
Pre-decided before the main event
The 23-man list, which does not include Ribery, will be shortlisted to three footballers soon. Ribery also revealed that the coveted prize has lost all the meaning because of how the Frenchman was ignored the previous year.
Ribery told Sport Bild about his feelings on losing out on the prize and how he no more covets for the honour. He said, "I learned a lot during last year's Ballon d'Or gala. As soon as I got there, I told my wife that I would lose.
"I saw how Sepp Blatter was hugging Ronaldo and how his entire family was there. I'm not stupid. It was clear that he had to win it. He wouldn't have brought his entire family with him otherwise.”
Politics has taken centre stage
The Munchen man feels that his team-mate Arjen Robben or compatriot Manuel Neuer deserve to win the top prize with their exploits of last year.
"It will be the same this year. What can I say about it? Manuel Neuer or Arjen Robben should win it. You can't disagree with this. Manu has won it all, he is a great guy and he isn't arrogant. Arjen has played an incredible season in the Bundesliga and then a fantastic World Cup.”
"But I fear it will be about politics again. The Ballon d'Or is no longer for the best player. It's all about politics. Fabio Cannavaro won it in 2006 because he won the World Cup, that's all.
"I don't miss the Ballon d'Or. I am not jealous because this award doesn't mean anything to me any more. I am happy with what I have in Munich.
He concluded, "When 70,000 fans are screaming my name at the Allianz Arena, I get goosebumps. I can go home happy after that."
