Believe it or not, with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tipped as favorite to win the Ballon d’Or for a second consecutive year, some people don’t even believe the former Manchester United winger should have been named as a finalist for the prize.
According to Barcelona midfielder Xavi, the Real Madrid superstar, who has been in fine form in front of goal this year, doesn’t deserve to be on the three-man shortlist for the award, which will be handed out on January 12 in Zurich.
The Blaugrana legend argues World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm and Camp Nou team-mate Javier Mascherano should have been on the list instead due to Ronaldo’s disastrous World Cup campaign, in which his national team crashed out of the tournament in the group stage, only finding the back of the net once.
"He didn't do much in the World Cup, and in a World Cup year, the season is defined by that," Xavi told Catalan-based newspaper SPORT.
"[In first place I would have] Leo, second [Philipp] Lahm, and third [Javier] Mascherano."
These remarks by the 34-year-old former La Furia Roja ace off course did not sit well with Ronaldo or Los Blancos fans. They were quick to respond to Xavi’s comments, taking to Twitter to call the Spaniard a hypocrite.
Four years back, in 2010, it was Messi who suffered a disappointing World Cup in South Africa, failing to score even once before Argentine were eliminated by Germany. However, La Pulga did still receive the Ballon d’Or that year, a recognition which Xavi claimed the Argentine deserved.
Xavi called a hypocrite after his comments on CR7 and his Ballon d'Or nomination
Wat did Messi do at d WC in 2010 before he won it"@goal_intl: Xavi rubbishes Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or bid: He didn't do much at the World Cup
— ABIMBOLA (@Abimberry) December 23, 2014
When Messi had bad World Cup in 2010 he deserved the Ballon d'Or but Ronaldo don't derseve it because he had bad one 2014. I see#Xavi
— Nonsindiso Khanyile (@NonsieK) December 23, 2014
Xavi 2010:Messi had a bad WorldCup but he still deserves the Ballon d'Or 2014:Ronaldo had a bad WorldCup so obviously he doesn't deserve it
— J David S (@JayDS7) December 24, 2014
Xavi: 2010. Messi deserves ballon dor though he had a bad World Cup. Xavi:Ronaldo does not deserve ballon d'or Cuz he had bad world cup
— lake wood (@lakezuma) December 24, 2014
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Xavi, or do you feel that the Spanish midfield maestro is being hypocritical?