Toni Kroos 'surprised' Manuel Neuer finished behind Lionel Messi in Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos believes that it was "unfair" that Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer finished behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or voting.

Kroos's club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo scooped the gong for a third time at a ceremony in Switzerland, while his national German teammate finished third.

"It's surprising and a little unfair that Manuel Neuer finished behind Messi," Kroos told Sky Sports News. "I thought it would be a close call between Manuel and Cristiano. Manuel Neuer was the best goalkeeper by a long way.

"Cristiano was the best outfield player. It was between the two of them really. Manuel would have been a worthy winner but Cristiano deserved it too."

Kroos and Neuer clinched World Cup winners' medals in Brazil last summer.