FC Bayern winger and France international Franck Ribery will find out if he has done enough to win the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday
FC Bayern winger and France international Franck Ribery will find out if he has done enough to win the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday

Why Ribery deserves Ballon d'Or: the insiders' view

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Munich - As the reigning Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, French and UEFA European Footballer of the Year, there is only one thing missing from FC Bayern München winger Franck Ribery’s CV: the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

With decision time fast drawing near, bundesliga.com finds out why some of the biggest names in football believe there is no one more deserving of the prize in question than the fleet-footed man himself…

Pep Guardiola (FC Bayern head coach): I have never seen a player with Ribery's character at this level. The way he keeps fighting and running for the team is incredible. It's an honour for me to coach Franck.

Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern captain): I think it’s clear Franck deserves it this year. I voted for Franck.

Thomas Müller (FC Bayern attacker): Ribery has already been named as the best player in Europe. Bayern won everything last season and that’s why someone from our team deserves to win the trophy. Ribery didn’t score as many goals as the other two candidates [Cristian Ronaldo and Lionel Messi], but that’s because he puts in more effort for the team and also creates opportunities for others.

Matthias Sammer (FC Bayern sporting director): Franck was the most complete and best player. He applies his individual qualitites to the team effort. It would be logical for him to win. Apart from his attacking brilliance, which he has in any case, nowadays he defends with discipline and team spirit. I’ve rarely seen such incredible support for an individual player from the rest of the team.

Zinedine Zidane (Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year): They [Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo] both deserve it, but I would give it to Franck because he played a fundamental role in the three major trophies that Bayern München won last season.

Samir Nasri (France international midfielder): Ribery has been accused of failing to show up for France, but he carries the team these days. He would be great for any team. He was already voted UEFA's Best Player in Europe and I really hope that he wins the Ballon d'Or as well. It would really be the crown on his career. I don't know Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo personally, but I do know Franck. He has won everything he could win this year.