UEFA president Michel Platini has claimed that the Ballon d'Or should be awarded to a German player this year following the nation's success at the World Cup.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the favourite to retain the award he was handed for his display in 2013, but Platini believes that the performances of Joachim Low's side in Brazil should be a factor in the decision making.
"I don't vote for the Ballon d'Or but, in principle, it's a player who has produced big performances in the tournament who wins it," the Italian told beIn Sports. "So, it should be a German this year.
"It was like that until 2010, when Messi won in spite of having had an average World Cup, so nothing is certain for this year.
"However, what is certain is that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world along with Lionel Messi. There's no doubt about that."
FIFA have not recognised a German in the top three at the annual presentation since the Ballon d'Or was merged with the World Player of the Year award in 2010.
Callum Mulvihill
