FC Barcelona defender Dani Alves on Friday said Real Madrid's star forward Cristiano Ronaldo does not deserve to be the finalist this year for the World Footballer of the Year (Ballon d' Or award).
Ronaldo, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, was nominated for the prestigious award for 2015 along with Barcelona's strike pair of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
"Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't deserve to be among the Ballon d'Or finalists. It's not only about scoring goals," Alves was quoted as saying by goal.com.
However, the Brazilian right-back heaped praises on his Barcelona team mates Lionel Messi and Neymar.
"Messi is a bit ahead, because of his influence on the game," Alves said.
"I think at this moment, Neymar is second best in the world."
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