Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the World Footballer of the Year. The 29-year-old Portugal international finished ahead of Manuel Neuer (Bayern München) and Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona). It is Ronaldo’s third title following his wins in 2008 and 2013.
Neuer has therefore missed out on becoming the second German player to be named the best footballer on the planet. Record Germany international Lothar Matthäus received the honour in 1991.
“It was an unforgettable year, but I want to get even better,” said Ronaldo, who received 37.66 percent of the votes. Neuer (15.72%) finished just behind Messi (15.76%) in third place. Nevertheless, the Germany number 1 remained positive: “I’m leaving here with a grin. Today was a win for me. The whole of 2014 was incredible; we enjoyed so much success. It will stay with me forever.”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chairman of Neuer’s club Bayern München, was delighted for his player: It’s great to have a Bayern player among the best three players in the world for the second time in a row after Franck Ribéry last year. We’re all incredibly proud of Manuel Neuer. Finishing in third is something else to back up his extraordinary performances. He had a superb year, a great World Cup and set a new benchmark for goalkeeping. He would have fully deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Christian Seifert, Chairman of the DFL, added: "Manuel Neuer performed incredibly last year and deserves to be named one of the top three players on the planet. He has taken goalkeeping to a whole new level. Oliver Kahn came second in the award in 2002 and now Manuel is on the top three too. I can only congratulate him on the award, which underlines the global respect and recognition that German football currently has."
Ron-Robert Zieler praised his international colleague: "I’m delighted for Manu because he was incredible throughout 2014. His performances, especially in the World Cup, raised the standard. However, I have lots of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s a fantastic footballer."
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named the World Footballer of the Year. The 29-year-old Portugal international finished ahead of Manuel Neuer (Bayern München) and Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona). It is Ronaldo’s third title following his wins in 2008 and 2013.
Neuer has therefore missed out on becoming the second German player to be named the best footballer on the planet. Record Germany international Lothar Matthäus received the honour in 1991.
“It was an unforgettable year, but I want to get even better,” said Ronaldo, who received 37.66 percent of the votes. Neuer (15.72%) finished just behind Messi (15.76%) in third place. Nevertheless, the Germany number 1 remained positive: “I’m leaving here with a grin. Today was a win for me. The whole of 2014 was incredible; we enjoyed so much success. It will stay with me forever.”
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chairman of Neuer’s club Bayern München, was delighted for his player: It’s great to have a Bayern player among the best three players in the world for the second time in a row after Franck Ribéry last year. We’re all incredibly proud of Manuel Neuer. Finishing in third is something else to back up his extraordinary performances. He had a superb year, a great World Cup and set a new benchmark for goalkeeping. He would have fully deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Christian Seifert, Chairman of the DFL, added: "Manuel Neuer performed incredibly last year and deserves to be named one of the top three players on the planet. He has taken goalkeeping to a whole new level. Oliver Kahn came second in the award in 2002 and now Manuel is on the top three too. I can only congratulate him on the award, which underlines the global respect and recognition that German football currently has."
Ron-Robert Zieler praised his international colleague: "I’m delighted for Manu because he was incredible throughout 2014. His performances, especially in the World Cup, raised the standard. However, I have lots of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, he’s a fantastic footballer."
