French striker Antoine Griezmann has confessed that he literally dreams about winning the Ballon d'Or. The Atletico Madrid ace was shortlisted alongside 29 other players for this year's prize after successfully helping his club side to a Europa League title win and France to victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup held at Russia.
Currently, Real Madrid's Luka Modric remains the front-runner to bag home the accolade having already won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year and The Best Men's Player of the Year awards. However, with this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled for December 3 in Paris, Antoine Griezmann still fancies the prospect of receiving the honor.
"I actually do [dream of winning it]," Griezmann said to ESPN FC.
"I'm not afraid of saying it. I dream of the Ballon d'Or, of the Champions League, of winning the World Cup. I dream of a lot of things. I dream of having three children. Those dreams motivate you when you wake up each morning and you have goals to achieve.
"On a personal level, that's the highest you can get," Griezmann added.
"It's the most historic award, the most prestigious one. However, I also am a player who thinks collectively over individually, but it would be nice [to win it] for myself, because of everything I've gone through, especially after having to separate myself from my family at 3 years old."
Griezmann was subsequently critical of FIFA for omitting his French teammates from the top three finalists to contend for The Best FIFA Men's Player award which was eventually won by Luka Modric back in September.
"It wasn't only about me," the striker declared.
"It was about other French players (being snubbed) as well. I haven't been able to understand it, but I haven't tried to, either. It was surprising to see that no world champions were considered."
