Former Bayern Munich star, Bastian Schweinsteiger, has reignited the debate surrounding the 2013 Ballon d’Or, which was won by Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the former German national team player, the award should have rightfully gone to his former teammate Franck Ribéry, rather than the Portuguese sensation.
While acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s undeniable achievements, the Bayern Munich legend expressed his sincere belief that the 2013 Ballon d’Or should have been awarded to Franck Ribéry. Bastian Schweinsteiger, basing his analysis on the individual statistical performances of the former attacking midfielder, argued that the prestigious France Football award rightly belonged to the former French international after his remarkable treble with the Bavarians.
“In my opinion, 100% (Franck Ribéry should have won the Ballon d’Or). That year (2013), he should have won it 100%,” Schweinsteiger emphatically stated during an interview with Rio Ferdinand on the former English defender’s official channel.
The Ballon d’Or remains an eternal subject of fervent discussions in the football world, with debates continuing long after the winners are announced. Schweinsteiger’s sentiment regarding the 2013 edition reflects the feelings of others who have questioned past results, much like the discussions around the 2010 award given to Lionel Messi.
Many observers believe that Iniesta was the most deserving candidate for the trophy. Even José Mourinho has joined the conversation, believing that Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o should have won at least one Ballon d’Or during his illustrious career. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan player had also expressed his frustration with the 2006 Ballon d’Or, in which he finished 10th in the rankings despite an excellent season with Barcelona.
