Ribery: I'd rather win the World Cup

© Getty Images

Franck Ribery has expressed his deep regret at missing out on the FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday night.

The current UEFA Best player in Europe was beaten into third place by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, despite winning five trophies in the calendar year with Bayern Munich.

"What more could I have done other than to win absolutely everything with Bayern?" the Frenchman toldBild newspaper.

I'm no egoist and this title is not my aim. I'd rather win everything with Bayern all over again and then win the World Cup.

Franck Ribery

Nevertheless, Ribery says he is unconcerned at missing out on an award which would mean little compared with the trophies he has been winning for Bayern.

"Whether I finish second or third makes no difference," he said. "I'm no egoist and this title is not my aim. I'd rather win everything with Bayern all over again and then win the World Cup. That's important.

"Of course it would have been nice to win, but it's fine. We Bayern players, and I first of all, are just proud to be represented here."

Ribery did make it on to the FIFPro World XI along with Bayern team-mates Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm, although he missed out on becoming the first Bundesliga and first Bayern player to win the individual award.

"It would have been great, above all for the fans, the club and for my wife, but it's not the most important thing for me," said the 30-year-old.

"I'm pleased that the issue is over with now. I want to win all the titles again this season with Bayern."