Matthäus gives verdict on Olise’s Ballon d’Or ranking
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Harry Kane stole the headlines on Monday by winning the Ballon d’Or, but he wasn’t the only Bayern Munich player to finish in the top 10, with Michael Olise claiming ninth place after an outstanding season.
Many Bayern fans may have felt the Frenchman deserved a higher finish, but Lothar Matthäus believes his position was fair given the competition.
“Olise finishing ninth is fair enough," he wrote in a column for Sky Germany.
“You have to look at the names ahead of him: Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé and Erling Haaland. Overall, it was an excellent vote. My compliments to everyone who organised it and made the decisions,” added the former Germany international, who believes Kane was the rightful winner.
“I’m happy for everyone who receives an award, but I believe Harry Kane is the player who deserved the Ballon d’Or the most,” he wrote.
“This trophy is recognition for a player who has performed consistently throughout an entire season, entertained the fans and served as a role model.”
Matthäus also shared his thoughts on Kylian Mbappé finishing second, ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in third.
“In my view, Mbappé delivered more than Yamal, who was injured for a long period during the assessment period, scored only one goal at the World Cup and did not put up the numbers of Kane, Mbappé, Michael Olise or Jude Bellingham, whom I would also have included in the top 10,” he stated.
