Diego Maradona believes Manuel Neuer should win the Ballon d'Or

Manuel Neuer has won Diego Maradona’s vote to win the Ballon d’Or

Argentian legend Diego Maradona feels that Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer deserves to win the Ballon d’Or award, ahead of star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 28-year-old was part of Germany’s first World Cup win in 24 years last year and has had a good start to the current season at Bayern Munich.

Ronaldo didn’t have the greatest of World Cups but played a key role in his side winning the La Decima (Champions League) last year, scoring the fourth goal in the final at Lisbon, while Messi led his country to the final of the World Cup and was also awarded the Golden Ball for being the best player in the tournament. That decision to give Messi the award did get criticism from a few quarters, including Maradona, who felt that giving the award to the Barcelona striker was a ‘marketing strategy’.

Only one goalkeeper, Lev Yashin, has won the prestigious award in 1963, but Maradona believes that neither Messi nor Ronald have done anything substantial to win the coveted trophy.

"My favourite for the Ballon d'Or? Neither Messi, nor Ronaldo," the Argentine legend told Radio Habana Cuba.

"For me, Neuer is the one who deserves it the most. I feel that Messi and Ronaldo have taken things a bit too relaxed in 2014," the 1986 World Cup winner said.

The winner will be announced on January 12th at a gala ceremony in Zurich.