Neuer begrudges Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or chances: 'I’m not an underwear model'

Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is being touted by many as the only player with a legitimate chance to usurp Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in this year's Ballon d'Or voting.

But the World Cup winner says his position is a major hindrance in his quest for the honor, begrudging the fact that attackers garner much of the attention for their scoring exploits while a 'keeper's contributions are not recognized in the same manner.

"After matches the highlights mostly show the goals, chances to score, assists... the spectator tends not to remember that as a goalkeeper I make difficult saves at great risk and start moves."

It's a legitimate qualm, though it's not going to change anytime soon.

And then, of course, there's the issue of Ronaldo's personal brand and popularity as a celebrity. This is something Neuer simply cannot compete with, and he knows it.

"I am a sportsman, not a brand ambassador, beyond being the first goalkeeper for Adidas," Neuer told German magazine Kicker, as reported by AS. "I am not the sort of person who poses in underwear."

He added: "I do not like the red carpet, I prefer the green pitch. I feel better on the field trying to improve my game."