BALLON D’OR 2013: CANTONA VOTES RIBERY
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In 2013, Eric Cantona expressed his clear choice for the Ballon d’Or, confidently proclaiming that Franck Ribery should be the recipient of the prestigious award. Cantona, the iconic former Manchester United player, emphasized Ribery’s achievements, particularly his hat-trick of titles (Cup-Championship-Champions League) with Bayern Munich during the previous season.
“All three of them are fine players, creators, who have this ability to surprise. I think the difference will come down to who won what, and therefore that Ribéry deserves it,” declared Cantona in an interview with RMC.
The contenders for the Ballon d’Or in 2013 included Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Cantona firmly believed that Ribery’s accomplishments made him the deserving candidate. The winner of the award was eventually revealed in January 2014.