Manuel Neuer Takes Subtle Swipe At Fellow Ballon d'Or Candidate Cristiano Ronaldo

During an interview with the German publication Kicker, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer took a subtle swipe at Cristiano Ronaldo while talking about his chances of securing this year’s Ballon d’Or award.

The German international believes that he has a chance of winning the prize, even though he doesn’t have the same brand awareness as the Real Madrid star.

“I’m an athlete, not an ambassador of a brand, besides being the first goalkeeper of Adidas,” Neuer told the German publication. “I’m not the sort of person who poses in their underwear. I do not like the red carpet. I much prefer the green grass. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be.”

Neuer goes on to admit that it is much more difficult to win personal awards at his positions because television highlights are primarily saved for the goal scorers. The Ballon d’Or has not been awarded to a goalkeeper since 1963, with only two defenders winning the trophy over the past 20 years.

“After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists,” he said. “Spectators don’t tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organized the play from the back.”

Neuer was a key part of the German national team which won last summer’s World Cup in Brazil and, according to most football experts, is the likeliest of his teammates to win the coveted individual award.

Ronaldo is tipped to win the Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year, and the third time in the Portuguese international’s career. The presentation of the award will be made on Monday January 12, 2015.