Real Madrid have released a statement criticising UEFA president Michel Platini for suggesting that a German international should win the Ballon d'Or over Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal captain, who has scored 20 goals in 12 La Liga matches this season, is favourite to scoop the gong for a second consecutive year.
However, it appears that Ronaldo does not have the backing of Platini after the Frenchman claimed that he would prefer a member of Germany's World Cup-winning side to win the award.
In response, Madrid released a statement on Friday saying: "Firstly, it's surprise at the repeated declarations regarding his personal preferences over the choice of the winner of the Ballon d'Or, particularly given that he is the head of European football's principal body, where our understanding is that the strictest impartiality should prevail.
"Secondly, the Ballon d'Or is an individual rather than collective prize which is awarded annually to the best player in the world, and we believe that, in order to maintain its prestige, those who participate in the vote should take into account exclusively the individual professional achievements of the players.
"Finally, we believe that Cristiano Ronaldo has without doubt had his best ever professional year individually... and is achieving spectacular figures such as his 20 goals in the first 12 matchdays of La Liga, which confirm his great moment of form and ensure that, more than ever, he is deserving of the Ballon d'Or."
Should Ronaldo be named the world's best player in January, the prolific star will have three Ballons d'Or in his collection.
Danielle Joynson
