Why Oliver Kahn believes Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d’Or?
Legendary Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn thinks Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d’Or this year, despite of Lionel Messi leading Barcelona to treble.
In his interview with FIFA.com he tipped Real Madrid star to continue Ballon d’Or winning run and make it three times in the row. While he is critical of lack of respects shown towards goalkeepers in the selection of FIFA player of the year.
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The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper said:
“I think that in International terms, and it is not just Europe that votes. It is not widely understood that goalkeeper can be in contention for the award like this.
“I experienced this first hand, you can not dispute it is an issue. It will be probably another battle between Messi, who had a strong season and Ronaldo, who had scored another handful goals.
“And I think Ronaldo will win again, a man who calls himself best player in the World. and who can blame him.”
Oliver Kahn expressed his disappointment for not winning Ballon d’Or, after earning nomination consecutively in 2001 and 2002. For his first time of selection England striker Michael Owen was named as FIFA player of the year ahead of him, whereas in 2002 Brazilian International Ronaldo won Ballon d’Or. The only goalkeeper, who has the honour of winning Ballon d’Or is Soviet Union’s Lev Yashin, as he was named as FIFA player of the year in 1963.
Oliver Kahn feels Cristiano Ronaldo will win the Ballon d’Or in January, however, recently Portuguese International was asked ‘who he think will win Ballon d’Or?’, Real Madrid star tipped Barcelona ace Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Argentinean winning Champions League, La-Liga and Copa Del Rey in last campaign, give him an advantage over him, despite of his claim last season was best of his career.