Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois slams Ballon d'Or rankings despite winning award

By George Priestman | 18 October 2022

Courtois slams Ballon d'Or rankings despite award

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois hits out at the final Ballon d'Or rankings, despite winning an award at the prestigious ceremony.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hit out at the Ballon d'Or rankings, despite winning an award on the night.

Courtois, who was one of only two goalkeepers on the final shortlist for the main award, finished seventh in the voting behind Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mane and teammate Karim Benzema.

The 30-year-old took home the Lev Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper following his exploits last season, when he helped Real Madrid to Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa de Espana glory.

Courtois was named man of the match in the Champions League final against Liverpool as Los Blancos ran out 1-0 winners, and he believes that his performances deserved a higher ranking in the Ballon d'Or standings.

Speaking after the ceremony, the Belgium international admitted that he feels it is "impossible" to win the award as a goalkeeper.

"I see the Ballon d'Or as impossible to win. You win La Liga and you win the Champions League, your team wins thanks to your saves... and you only finish seventh. At least they created the trophy for best goalkeeper," Courtois told reporters.

Benzema took home the top prize for the first time in his career, while Barcelona trio Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and Alexia Putellas all also landed major awards, winning the Gerd Muller Trophy, the Raymond Kopa Trophy and the Women's Ballon d'Or respectively.