Figo's win was the first of seven occasions that the award went to a Real Madrid player this century, with the latest coming just last year even when the Ronaldo-Messi stranglehold was finally broken by Luka Modric. But according to Figo, the award would have been deserved by another Real player, whether it was for this year or not. (Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)"It's clear that Sergio Ramos deserves to win the Ballon d'Or," Figo told Marca , although not specifically mentioning that he meant for 2018. "Being a defender is almost like being a goalkeeper, it's a lot more difficult to win the award but (Fabio) Cannavaro managed it (when Italy won the World Cup in 2006). "It depends on the moment, on the year, but for quality alone it's obvious that Ramos should win it."

Source: Daily Mirror March 28, 2019 04:41 UTC