Cristiano Ronaldo Did Not Deserve The Ballon D’Or Says Barcelona Legend Johan Cruyff

Posted by

Cruyff has hit out at this year’s Ballon d’Or claiming Ronaldo did not deserve the recognition

Johan Cruyff believes the exclusion of key players from the Bayern Munich and German national team from the Ballon d’Or nominations is an outrage, expressing his criticism towards the award.

READ MORE:
Manchester United’s Proposed Swap Deal With Real Madrid For Bale Drops In Value To £80m
Tottenham to Offer Bit-Part Player In Part-Exchange Bid for Everton Winger
Falcao To Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Reveals “Love” For Manchester United Striker

The Netherlands legend – who won the award three times in 1971, 1973 and 1974 – says the recognition should have gone to a player who excelled individually and helped their club to win trophies; adding that a number of players from the Bayern and the World Cup winning Germany side could have, and should have, been nominated for the honours.

“At the highest level, it’s all about the combination of individual quality and achievements,” Cruyff was quoted by Goal.

“From that point of view, it’s absurd that for the second year in a row a player has been given the award who did not both play excellent and win the most trophies.”

The former Barcelona playmaker believes Toni Kroos, who was instrumental for both club and country, was a worthy candidate for the 2015 Ballon d’Or.

“Back in 2013, Bayern Munich won every single trophy out there, yet Cristiano Ronaldo still won the award instead of a player like Toni Kroos or someone else from Bayern,” the 67 year old continued.

“In 2014, Kroos was a key player again for the team that won the World Cup, yet he was not even among the final three nominees. Ronaldo was completely anonymous at the World Cup.

“Let this be clear, I cannot take this Fifa award seriously anymore.”

Cruyff may have a valid point, although it simply brings into question how the winner is judged. Whether it is on what they have achieved during the previous 12 months in terms of silverware, or if they are regarded by their peers as the best player.

It would be difficult to argue that Kroos is a better player than his Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, but it is true that the midfielder earned more prestigious honours in 2014 than the Portugal captain.

More Stories Ballon d'Or Cristiano Ronaldo johan cruyff Real Madrid CF