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Griezmann concedes Ballon d'Or to Ronaldo

Christian Hartmann / Reuters

Antoine Griezmann may have ended Euro 2016 with the Golden Boot and praise from all corners of the globe, but he doesn't believe he'll be collecting the Ballon d'Or after France's final defeat to Portugal.

While the Atletico Madrid hitman finished the tournament with six goals - three ahead of any of his rivals - he predicts the gong for the world's best player is heading Cristiano Ronaldo's way.

Related: Defeated finalist Griezmann wins Euro 2016 Golden Boot

Although Ronaldo only played 25 minutes of Sunday's Euro 2016 final due to a knee injury, it marks the second time the Portuguese has got the better of Griezmann following Real Madrid's penalty shootout defeat of Atleti in May's Champions League final.

"For the Ballon d'Or it's over," Griezmann, 25, told reporters post-match. "Ronaldo has won two big competitions this season."

The Real Sociedad academy graduate expressed further disappointment when collecting his Golden Boot after the extra-time loss.

"Maybe later I can feel proud, but for now it's about the group," explained the forward. "I'm very disappointed for my teammates. I really wanted to give them (the European Championship), but I couldn't score. It's cruel and magnificent at the same time.

"We've lived through some extraordinary moments, and the saddest moments as well. We have to learn. But tonight we gave it our all and we have no regrets."

Griezmann has emerged as one of the most highly rated players on the planet due to an emphatic showing at the tournament, but any potential suitors at club level will have to pay an extortionate amount for his services. He agreed to a new five-year contract with the Rojiblancos last month.

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