World Cup winner Diego Maradona has claimed that Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer deserves the Ballon d’Or ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Speaking Radio Habana Cuba, Maradona outlined the contributions of Neuer in Bayern’s recent success and Germany’s World cup win. Despite helping his country reach the finals of the World Cup and breaking the all time scoring record in the Champions League, Maradona insists that Neuer deserves to win the prestigious award ahead of his compatriot, Lionel Messi.

“My favourite for the Ballon d’Or Neither Messi, nor Ronaldo. For me, Neuer is the one who deserves it the most. I feel that Messi and Ronaldo have taken things a bit too relaxed in 2014″, said Maradona.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo remains the firm favourite to clinch the award for the third time, after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League last season as he finished as top scorer in the competition with 17 goals. Ronaldo has started this season in sensational form scoring 33 goals in 26 appearances.

The winner will be announced at the annual Fifa Gala in Zürich on January 12th.

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