Messi and Ronaldo Not Better: Former Bayern Star Claims Ballon d’Or Injustice

Former Bayern Munich star, Stefan Effenberg, has sparked controversy by claiming that the Ballon d'Or has been unjust towards him, suggesting that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo are better players than he was during his prime. Effenberg, who played for Bayern Munich and Germany, expressed his frustration in an interview, asserting that the prestigious award often overlooks deserving candidates.

Effenberg's career highlights include winning the Bundesliga and the UEFA Cup, yet he believes his contributions to football have been underappreciated. He pointed out that the Ballon d'Or tends to favor players from top clubs and those with high-profile media presence, which he feels overshadowed his own achievements.

The former midfielder's bold statement has reignited debates about the criteria used for the Ballon d'Or and whether the award truly recognizes the best player in the world. As Messi and Ronaldo continue to dominate the conversation around the award, Effenberg's comments serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of such accolades in football.

• Ballon d'Or
• Stefan Effenberg