Real Madrid's Courtois 'blasts' positional bias of the Ballon d'Or
The Belgian goalkeeper came seventh this year and won the Lev Yashin award
Thibaut Courtois has criticised the Ballon d'Or's favour of attacking players, saying it is impossible for a goalkeeper to win the coveted prize.
After an incredible season with Real Madrid, including a stunning Champions League final performance, Courtois was voted the seventh best player in the world at Monday's gala, with teammate Karim Benzema the winner.
Courtois was honoured with the Lev Yashin trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world, but laments the fact the top prize appears to be out of his reach due to positional bias.
"The truth is that I think it's impossible," Courtois told RTVE when asked if a goalkeeper could win the award again -- Yashin is the only goalkeeper to win the prize, back in 1963.
"Obviously Karim deserves it, we all agree with that. But after the year I had as a goalkeeper, you win the Champions League, you win the league, you play the Champions League final and your team wins it thanks to your saves, and you only end up seventh [...] that says a lot.
"The votes don't go towards goalkeepers. In the top 10, there weren't any defenders either. It's what happens. It's a bit difficult. But at least they gave me the trophy for best goalkeeper."
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