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| Neuer seemed to suggest his chances are hampered because, unlike Ronaldo, he doesn't go in for the 'red-carpet' lifestyle |
Manuel Neuer has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the Real Madrid star will win the Ballon d'Or as much for his image as his skills.
The Germany goalkeeper is considered one of the front-runners for this year's award, but some way behind the favourite Ronaldo.
Neuer seemed to suggest his chances are hampered because, unlike Ronaldo, he doesn't go in for the 'red-carpet' lifestyle, or have underwear modelling deals.
'I'm a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas' first goalkeeper,' Neuer told Kicker. 'I'm not some guy who poses in his underpants.'
'I don't like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be.'
Neuer was a key part of the Germany team that won last summer's World Cup, and the most likely from the squad to win the individual award.
But the Bayern Munich stopper believes that goalkeepers have little chance of winning individual awards.
The Ballon d'Or has not been awarded to a goalkeeper since 1963, and only two defenders have won it in the past 20 years.
'After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists,' explained Neuer. 'Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back.'
Ronaldo is on course to win the Ballon d'Or for the third time, and the second in a row, but faces competition from Neuer and four-time winner Lionel Messi.
The two front-runners will meet in an international friendly at Old Trafford on Tuesday night when Argentina take on Portugal, in a game that is being billed as a shoot-out for the top individual award.
Both players have been backed by their respective international managers and team-mates ahead of the voting, with Portugal manager Fernando Santos conceding 'they are both genius'.
Messi and Ronaldo, unlike Neuer, are the most famous and most marketable players in world football, and whatever happens at Old Trafford, are likely to dominate the votes.
The Germany goalkeeper is considered one of the front-runners for this year's award, but some way behind the favourite Ronaldo.
Neuer seemed to suggest his chances are hampered because, unlike Ronaldo, he doesn't go in for the 'red-carpet' lifestyle, or have underwear modelling deals.
'I'm a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas' first goalkeeper,' Neuer told Kicker. 'I'm not some guy who poses in his underpants.'
'I don't like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be.'
Neuer was a key part of the Germany team that won last summer's World Cup, and the most likely from the squad to win the individual award.
But the Bayern Munich stopper believes that goalkeepers have little chance of winning individual awards.
The Ballon d'Or has not been awarded to a goalkeeper since 1963, and only two defenders have won it in the past 20 years.
'After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists,' explained Neuer. 'Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back.'
Ronaldo is on course to win the Ballon d'Or for the third time, and the second in a row, but faces competition from Neuer and four-time winner Lionel Messi.
The two front-runners will meet in an international friendly at Old Trafford on Tuesday night when Argentina take on Portugal, in a game that is being billed as a shoot-out for the top individual award.
Both players have been backed by their respective international managers and team-mates ahead of the voting, with Portugal manager Fernando Santos conceding 'they are both genius'.
Messi and Ronaldo, unlike Neuer, are the most famous and most marketable players in world football, and whatever happens at Old Trafford, are likely to dominate the votes.
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