Chelsea defender Filipe Luis has thrown his hat into this season’s Ballon d’Or award debate, claiming Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be named winner of the prize, which will be handed out on January 12, over the likes of archrival Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Despite insisting the Barcelona attacker is one of the greatest players he has ever faced, Luis claims the Argentine hasn’t done enough to win the coveted award, which the Brazilian defender labeled as “political”, insisting Ronaldo’s accomplishments this season has blown the competition away.
Whilst speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Luis said: "Messi is one of the most talented players I've faced, if not the best, but I don't think he's had a season to deserve the Ballon d'Or."
"Although it seems a political prize, Cristiano has done far more than anyone else to win."
The Selecao left-back, who moved to Stamford Bridge last summer for £15.8m after a Liga BBVA-winning campaign with Los Rojiblancos, came achingly close, only two minutes away, to adding a Champions League medal to his list of accolades last season, but saw his side lose out to Real Madrid 4-1 in the final, something he admits to have “hurt a lot”.
"That late corner hurt a lot. It was a very bitter holiday, despite us winning the league," said the Brazil international.
"It's true there were only two minutes left, but Real Madrid deserved to win.
"They'll be a very difficult opponent in any knockout tie. They have confidence and have shed the burden of La Decima. That, together with the quality they've put together, make Real Madrid a very powerful rival."
