Griezmann believes he deserved Ballon d’Or top 3 nomination

Antoine Griezmann believes he was amongst the top three performers in the world last season and hence, deserves a podium place in the Ballon d’Or list. The forward led his nation to a World Cup triumph in July and was the third best player in the tournament, behind Luka Modric and Eden Hazard.

Griezmann also played a major role in adding to Atleti’s trophy cabinet as they emerged victorious in Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. In total, he scored a remarkable 29 goals in 49 appearances for the Rojiblancos last season.

The 27-year-old was nominated for the same award back in 2016, when he lost two finals – Euros 2016 and UEFA Champions League. However, despite winning three trophies last season, he was not included in the list.

“Comparing 2016 and this year, for me I have to be in the top three. In 2016, I lost two finals and was in the top three. This time I have won three finals,” he said.

On a realistic note, he claimed, “Not unfair, but I would wonder what more I could do. I have won three trophies, stood out at decisive moments, but it is not me who votes. I think about it, especially the closer I get to it. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award, and it is the highest you can go as a player. There are trophies in your league, in the World Cup, the Euro, but it’s not the same.”

He was also shocked to see no Frenchman in the list of FIFA The Best. “It’s bizarre, and a shame. It is a trophy given out by FIFA, isn’t it? And the World Cup is organised by FIFA, right? We win the World Cup, and there is no French player there. That is their choice but it is surprising that there is no world champion,” he added.

The finalists for FIFA The Best include Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric – the same players who contended for the UEFA Player of the Year accolade.

Griezmann is off the mark this campaign with Atleti, who take on Eibar after the completion of the international round of fixtures.