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In 2013, Ribery won more silverware than Ronaldo and Messi combined, yet still finished third in the Ballon D’or rankings.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery at the 2013 Ballon D’Or (X)
Anyone who knows Bayern Munich knows about the sheer magic of Franck Ribery. The Frenchman dazzled millions around the world with his sublime trickery and precision, leading the attack for a dominant Bayern Munich back in 2013.
Alongside his wing partner Arjen Robben, Ribery wreaked havoc on the flanks of defenses, swooping and swindling his way through them all, leading the Bavarians to a stellar treble.
Yet, one of the biggest injustices ever perpetrated was robbing Ribery of the Ballon d’Or in 2013 after all his success, something that the Frenchman holds close to his heart to this day.
The Frenchman was an integral part of the 2012/13 treble-winning side under Jupp Heynckes.
In 2013, Bayern also added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in what was a clean sweep. Ribery notched 22 goals and 18 assists, winning UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award and achieving his highest-ever Ballon d’Or finish by coming third.
Ronaldo did not win any silverware with Real Madrid by the time the winner was announced, while Messi won La Liga with Barcelona. Ribery won more than the pair of them combined.
In a recent interview with French outlet L’Equipe, Ribery yet again spoke out about the sheer disappointment and despair he continues to feel over the Ballon D’or not being presented to him back in 2013—an award that went to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It was the perfect year. I couldn’t have done better. That Ballon d’Or will forever remain an injustice,” Ribery expounded.
The voting stage for the prestigious award was extended by two weeks back then due to a lack of “eligible voters”, a mysterious extension that seemingly swung the voters in favour of the Portuguese, many speculate.
“I’m still looking for an explanation. I’ll never understand why the closing date for the vote was extended by more than two weeks.”
Ribery also clarified his stance about the Ballon D’or though, stating that he was not tarnishing the greatness of either Ronaldo or Messi, but staking a claim for what he deserved.
“Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo always showed me respect. They knew I was at their table,” added Ribery.
“With all humility, they weren’t better than me in 2013.”
The 41-year-old Ribery retired from professional football in 2022, due to a severe knee injury.