September 6 – French star Antoine Griezmann insists he deserves to be on the podium for this year’s FIFA best player awards after winning the World Cup for France and the Europa League for Atletico Madrid.
Like all his World Cup-winning teammates, Griezmann has controversially failed to make the top three despite a terrific season for his club and country.
When FIFA rolled out their nominees for the coveted award later this month, Mohamed Salah joined Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo as the three shortlisted candidates. Griezmann didn’t make it despite coming third in 2016 when he won nothing.
“Comparing 2016 and this year, for me I have to be in the top three,” the 27-year-old told L’Equipe. “In 2016, I lost two finals and was in the top three. I would wonder what more I could do but it is not me who votes.”
The Ballon d’Or award was run jointly by FIFA and magazine France Football until the end of 2016, since when world football’s governing body have reverted to giving out their own prize.
While a panel of supporters, national team captains, coaches and journalists vote for the FIFA award, only journalists vote for the now-separate Ballon d’Or.
“It’s bizarre, and a shame,” Griezmann added. “It is a trophy given out by FIFA, isn’t it? And the World Cup is organised by FIFA, right? We win the World Cup, and there is no French player there. That is their choice but it is surprising that there is no world champion.”
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