@FootynewsFrank Ribery is calling out the 2013 Ballon d'Or as a clear case where politics beat performance. He insists he did everything in a footballer's hands that year, securing the treble with Bayern and earning the best player spot in the Champions League while having what he calls the best season of his life. Despite Real Madrid winning nothing, Cristiano (Ronaldo) took the trophy. Ribery recalls only a successful playoff match for Portugal against Sweden as a highlight for him. Messi was left behind in the process. That moment made Ribery realize the award is decided by politics rather than pure merit. He suggests Ronaldo sells more because that is just how modern football operates now.

@FootynewsFrank Ribery is calling out the 2013 Ballon d'Or as a clear case where politics beat performance. He insists he did everything in a footballer's hands that year, securing the treble with Bayern and earning the best player spot in the Champions League while having what he calls the best season of his life. Despite Real Madrid winning nothing, Cristiano (Ronaldo) took the trophy. Ribery recalls only a successful playoff match for Portugal against Sweden as a highlight for him. Messi was left behind in the process. That moment made Ribery realize the award is decided by politics rather than pure merit. He suggests Ronaldo sells more because that is just how modern football operates now.