Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 9y

Michel Platini backs Germany World Cup winner for Ballon d'Or

UEFA president Michel Platini has told Efe that he believes a German World Cup winner should be awarded the 2014 Ballon d'Or.

Six Germany internationals have been named on the 23-man 2014 Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos joined five of his former Bayern Munich teammates -- Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze - on the list which also includes the favourites Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Before the shortlist is slimmed down to just three players in early December, Platini has said that a Germany international should be awarded the prestigious personal accolade after their glory at the 2014 World Cup.

"Many players deserve the Ballon d'Or, but I am of the opinion that the accolade in a World Cup year should go to a World Cup winner," German news wire SID quoted the UEFA president as telling Spanish news wire Efe on Wednesday.

Platini added that four years ago he also said that a member of the World Cup-winning Spain team should be presented with the trophy.

But in 2010 the Ballon d'Or was awarded to Lionel Messi, who went on to win it again in 2011 and 2012, while in 2013 Real Madrid's Ronaldo had the upper hand on his La Liga rival.

The voting process for the 2014 Ballon d'Or ended on Nov. 21, 2014, with coaches and captains from all FIFA member associations, as well as media representatives, choosing their three favourites from the shortlist.

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