Frank Ribery says failing to win the 2013 Ballon d’Or remains a painful disappointment, despite his outstanding season with Bayern Munich.
The former France international finished third in the voting behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, a result he still considers unfair 13 years later.
Ribery revisited the issue during a visit to the Trento Sport Festival in northern Italy this weekend. Speaking in comments reported by RMC Sport, the 43-year-old said the 2013 campaign had been the finest of his career.
“2013 was my golden year,” Ribery said. “I was the best player in the Bundesliga and in Europe. Perhaps I deserved the Ballon d’Or.
“Not winning it was painful. It was a disappointment, and I have no problem admitting that. It was a magical season. I won everything and performed exceptionally well with Bayern Munich and the national team. What more could I have done?”
Ribery helped Bayern Munich enjoy a remarkable campaign, but the individual award ultimately went to Ronaldo, with Lionel Messi second. The Frenchman had expected his achievements to be enough to secure the prize, and the sense of frustration has remained with him.
He ended his playing career in October 2022 after a final spell with Salernitana. Ribery then remained at the Italian club as part of its coaching staff until March 2024.
Since then, he has completed his coaching qualifications and believes he is ready to begin a new career in management. He said his priorities would extend beyond formations and tactical plans.
“I realised that I had changed my job,” he said. “For me, managing a team, showing empathy and building relationships with players will be extremely important. That comes before formations and tactics.
“I had many great coaches, such as Heynckes and Ancelotti, as well as Nicola and Iachini. I learned something from each of them.”
Ribery also outlined the style he would like his teams to adopt, saying he wants to take an attacking approach and demand an immediate response after possession is lost.
“I would like to play attacking football,” he said. “My team must win the ball back quickly and look for a goal straight away. In Europe, I really admire Bayern Munich under Kompany.”