Ribery: Ballon d'Or win would be for my dad

Franck Ribery hopes that he can secure the Ballon d'Or after his exploits with Bayern Munich in 2013, saying that it would be great for him and his family.

The Frenchman featured as the Bavarians overcame Raja Casablanca on Saturday to lift the Club World Cup, their fifth trophy in 2013 to add to their Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Uefa Super Cup wins.

Ribery stressed that his stellar year should put him firmly in contention for the Ballon d'Or alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and that he would dedicate the win in part to his construction worker father, Francois.

"It was an extraordinary year, for the club, the people and for me," he told Telefoot. "We broke everything record-wise. We took a lot of pleasure on and off the pitch.

"I have put in so much effort on the pitch. I think I deserved the Uefa European Best Player award. I would be very happy to win the Ballon d'Or. It would be great for me, my wife, my kids and my father."

The future France international was two years old when he was propelled through a car windscreen as his father Francois Ribery slammed on the brakes to avoid a head-on collision, though it left his son scarred for life.

The winger also commented on team-mate Arjen Robben, playing down any disappointment at the fact that the Dutchman publicly expressed his backing for Ronaldo in the race to be named Ballon d'Or winner.

"He corrected himself quickly," the 30-year-old added. "Everyone can give their thoughts, no problem.

"It is already something extraordinary to be nominated alongside Ronaldo and Messi. I have every chance, I was there in the big games. It is the best year of my career."

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced in a ceremony in Zurich on January 13.

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Ribery: I don't care whether Ronaldo attends Ballon d'Or gala

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has insisted that he does not care whether or not Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo will attend next month's Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

Much has been made of the Portugal star's potential absence from the event following a conflict with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, but Ribery has made it clear that Ronaldo's final decision on whether to travel to Switzerland or not is not of any interest to him.

"I have not been in touch with Ronaldo and I have not discussed him with any colleagues either. Why should I? I don't care whether he attends the gala," Ribery told Sport Bild.

"I feel honoured to be among the final three candidates and that's why it's only logical for me that I will travel to Zurich."

Ribery did admit, though, that the decision by Fifa and France Football to extend the voting deadline for the prestigious award could well hurt his chance of collecting the main prize.

"I think it's the first time since the introduction of the award that they have extended the voting deadline. It's obviously a shame for me and could be a disadvantage.

"I do not have any fear, though. I am calm about the outcome."

The winner of the Fifa Ballon d'Or will be announced on January 13.

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Tevez: Ribery should win Ballon d'Or

Carlos Tevez believes the Ballon d'Or should go to Franck Ribery ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 29-year-old Juventus forward says that the winger's pivotal contribution to Bayern's treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League makes him the stand out candidate for this year's prize.

"Messi and Cristiano are compete for the award every year, but for what he's done last season with Bayern and the way he played, I'd give it to Franck Ribery. He deserves it more," Tevez told Argentine radio station La Red.

All three will appear at next year's World Cup in Brazil, a tournament Tevez admits he expects to miss.

"Even if I score 30 goals this season I don't think I'll stand a chance of being included in Argentina's World Cup squad. That's very clear to me.

"I don't have to explain anything to the fans. It's not me who has to explain why I'm not playing for Argentina."

"Sabella is entitled to his decisions. I have to be a grown up person and accept it.

Tevez has not appeared for his country since 2011 when Argentina failed to claim the Copa America on home soil and hopes that he will one day get the opportunity to enjoy some happier memories of international football.

"It would make me sad if my last image with the national team is that missed penalty-kick against Uruguay at the Copa America 2011 quarter-finals."

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Suarez: Ribery deserves Ballon d'Or

Liverpool star Luis Suarez has backed Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi has won the game's greatest individual prize four times, but Suarez believes Ribery could dethrone the Barcelona forward following his successful campaign with Bayern.

"I don't think there's one clear favourite for the Ballon d'Or. Based on last year's performances, Ribery deserves to win it after his incredible treble with Bayern Munich," Suarez told RMC.

"But Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have a good case as well following all their goals. They have some spectacular statistics.

"Regardless of who will win it, he deserves it."

The Uruguay international then went on to praise Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has also made the 23-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.

"Ibrahimovic really is an incredible player. It's impressive what he does with his tall body.

"His spectacular goals in recent weeks have been inspiring."

Suarez has been in fine form for Liverpool since his return from suspension and has scored six goals in five Premier League games so far.

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Ribery : It would be a disaster if France misses World Cup

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery believes it would be a "disaster" if France failed to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Didier Deschamps' men finished second behind Spain in Group I in World Cup qualifying and need to beat Ukraine in a two-legged play-off if they are to reach next summer's tournament.

France last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1994 and Ribery is eager to ensure that they avoid the same fate this time around.

"I simply cannot imagine the France team not at the World Cup," he told German news agency SID.

"It would be a disaster for us, for everyone, for all of France.

"We have to play as always, do not be afraid and do not stress."

France, who were crowned world champions in 1998, travel to Ukraine for the first leg of their play-off on November 15, before hosting Mykhaylo Fomenko's men four days later.

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Ribery : I'm better than Messi or Ronaldo

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery believes he works harder on the pitch than his main rivals for the Fifa Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The France international played a key role in Bayern's historic treble win in 2012-13 and has been an impressive form in the opening months of the new season, making him one of the favourites to dethrone the Barcelona star.

"Compared to them, I work much harder. I do a lot more defending than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and provide more assists," Ribery told Kicker.

"It would be fantastic to actually win the Fifa Ballon d'Or when you have a shot at winning it.

"I have even more confidence in myself than before and that shows on the pitch. I am on top of my game and score a lot of goals. I am really enjoying myself on the pitch."

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or three times in a row since the award merged with the Fifa World Player of the Year accolade in 2010.

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Beckenbauer : No Ribery , No Treble

The German legend has hailed Ribery's last season performance , and he belives that Bayern may win the treble again this year.

Beckenbauer belives that Bayern would not win the treble if it wasn't for Ribery last season. Ribery was voted the best player of UEFA for season 2012-2013

"Without him, Bayern wouldn't have won the treble - one or two trophies perhaps, but not all three," told Beckenbauer to the press.

" Ribery was the key of the success. He is one of the best in the world , and the best last season."

Ribery is one of the favourites to win the Ballon D'or , alongside Messi and Crisitano Ronaldo.

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Ribery deserves to win the Ballon D'or

Gunter Netzer says that after the last season with Bayern Munich , helping them to win the Treble , he deserves to win the Ballon D'or.

The 30 years old , has won the Uefa's Best Player in Europe, beating the Barca star , Lionel Messi , and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gunter Netzer told to the press : " Ribery was a key to the success of Bayern for winning the Champions , Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. He was outstanding in the last year , better than Messi or Cristiano , so he 100% deserves to win it. "

The Bayern Munich winger , will try to do the same thing this year , winning the treble again , but not with Heykness , but Guardiola.

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Ribery claims UEFA best player award

Bayern Munich midfielder beats off competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be crowned as Uefa's Best Player in Europe

The 30-year-old French international capped off a magnificent year by being presented with the prestigious award at a glitzy Champions league gala in Monte Carlo.

Ribery was instrumental in Bayern's Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League treble in 2012/13 and was voted the Best Player in Europe by journalists representing the 53 Uefa nations.

The winger becomes the fourth Bayern player to win the continent's highest individual prize, following in the footsteps of Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer and Karl-Heniz Rummenigge.

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