Antoine Griezmann has said he has a realistic chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year but has criticised FIFA for failing to recognise France’s World Cup players at The Best awards.
Atletico Madrid and France forward Griezmann won the Europa League last season before lifting the World Cup in Russia. And after finishing third in the 2016 poll having lost the Champions League and Euro 2016 finals, Griezmann believes he has a realistic chance of picking up football’s most coveted individual prize.
“Yes, I’m thinking about it, especially as I’m getting closer and closer to it,” he told L’Equipe. “When I finished third in 2016, I had lost two finals.
Now, I’ve won three. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award and for a player it’s the summit. There’s nothing better, nothing bigger. There can be trophies in your league, the World Cup, the Euros, it’s not the same.
“I would ask myself what I would have to do more. I have won three trophies, I’ve been important in decisive moments. But it’s not me who votes.
“Comparing with 2016, I have to be in the final three.”
Griezmann and his France teammates were missing when FIFA named their three-man shortlist for their The Best awards, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah the nominees.
“It’s bizarre, and a shame, it’s FIFA who award the trophy right?” said Griezmann. “And the World Cup is organised by FIFA, right? We won the World Cup and there is no Frenchman at the end. It’s a choice, but it’s surprising there’s no world champion.”
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi also missed out on the top three despite winning the Spanish double.