Former AC Milan and Ukraine forward Andriy Shevchenko has said Manuel Neuer should win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi.
The Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper is hoping to be just the second shot stopper to pick up the award, while Ronaldo is hoping for a second consecutive Ballon d’Or and third of his career.
Neuer played a key role in helping the Bavarians to the domestic double last season before lifting the World Cup with Germany in Brazil last summer. Barcelona man Messi once again has a superb season for his club, leading them to second place in La Liga, before carrying the Argentina team to the final of the World Cup.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has set all sorts of goalscoring records and helped his side to four trophies in 2014 – the Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey.
Speaking to FIFA’s official website, 2004 Ballon d’Or winner Shevchenko said: “Neuer is fantastic because he is more than just a traditional goalkeeper.”
He added: “I still think Cristiano and Messi are the favourites. Ronaldo won the Champions League and was the star. All three have the potential to be big winners, but I would choose Neuer because I think he did something special in the World Cup and also during his season with Bayern. He was fantastic throughout the year.”
