Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Franck Ribery isn’t worried about Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo challenging him for the Fifa Ballon d’Or award, because as far as he is concerned he is the “best”.
The 30-year-old winger, who will line-up for France tonight in their World Cup play-off against Ukraine, has been in fine form for Bayern Munich all year, helping the Germans secure the treble, as well as individually winning the Uefa award for the best player in Europe in August.
“I do not know if I will win, however I think I deserve it,” Ribery said. “Before I was a good player, now I think I'm the best.”
Ribery, the current bookies’ favourite for the award which has been won by either Messi or Ronaldo for the past five years, says he is not thinking about where he would put the award if he wins – but his wife has an idea.
“I try not to think about the Ballon d’Or,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe. “But my wife has already prepared the space above the fireplace in the living room. I do get a lot of belief from her and all of Bayern.”
The winner will be announced in Zurich on 13 January 2014.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments