Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta does not want to see his club teammate Lionel Messi or rival Cristiano Ronaldo win the FIFA Ballon d’Or and thinks a member of the Spanish national team should be crowned as the world’s best footballer.
Iniesta was a stand-out for Spain during Euro 2012 and could be in contention for the Ballon d’Or himself. Spain and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas and Iniesta’s midfield partner Xavi have also been touted to win the award while Messi and Ronaldo are both candidates following record breaking seasons for their clubs.
Since 2008, the FIFA Ballon d’Or has been dominated by Messi and Ronaldo but Iniesta feels the time has come for another winner.
“I hope that one of my team-mates of the national team wins the Ballon d’Or,” Iniesta stated to reporters.
“However, a lot of people will cast their vote, and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
After beating Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, Spain have now won three major tournaments in a row, adding to their Euro 2008 victory and World Cup success in 2010. Iniesta feels he has been part of truly special over the past few years.
“This team have made history and is legendary. The most important thing, though, is that we have brought happiness to the Spanish people. We hope that we can continue to put in performances like this.”
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