Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao has said it will be a disgrace if compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or in January.
The 29-year-old is one of the favourites for the award having helped Los Blancos to three trophies this calendar year – the Champions League, Copa del Rey and European Super Cup. He has also continued to take his own game to more remarkable levels and there are few superlatives left to describe his goalscoring record.
Despite his outstanding form, UEFA president Michel Platini suggested this week that a German player should win the award following their success at the World Cup in the summer. The statement prompted an angry response from Real, who issued a statement saying someone in Platini’s position should remain impartial.
And Coentrao told A Bola that it would be a dsigrace if his club and international team mate did not win.
“Anyone can see it would be an utter disgrace if Cristiano didn’t receive the Ballon d’Or, which is an individual award, not for a team. There has never been a bigger difference between the best in the world and the number two,” the defender said.
“His Champions League record is incredible record and people also need to take into account the mountain of goals he’s scored this season already. He keeps on putting in amazing performances without ever tiring.
“As our coach said recently, let’s talk about next year’s Ballon d’Or, because there’s no point talking about this year’s now; it can only go to Cristiano. In 2014, it’s not hard to recognise that Cristiano was clearly the best in the world.”
