'It was clear that he deserved it' - Zinedine Zidane names player who never won the Ballon d'Or but most deserved to

Zinedine Zidane knows who "deserved" to win a Ballon d'Or but never managed to during his trophy-laden career in football.

Back in January 2011, it was Lionel Messi who was crowned the inaugural winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or ahead of Barcelona teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

The Argentine ended the 2009/10 campaign with 47 goals in all competitions – his best-ever single-season tally at the time – as he helped Barca win La Liga with 99 points.

But many believe the award should have gone to World Cup winner Andres Iniesta, who scored a dramatic winner in extra time to hand Spain their first ever world title.

Eight years after those heroics in South Africa and then-Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for Iniesta as the midfielder prepared to play in his final El Clasico.

In fact, he claimed Iniesta deserved to lift the Ballon d'Or in 2010.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Zidane said: "It is difficult because if you like football, seeing a player like him leave is tough," said the Real Madrid boss. "I don't think of him as a Barcelona player. I see him simply as a football player.

"I've come across him two or three times and he is a charming, very reserved man and I like players who can do everything on the field but are that calm off it.

"I only have good words for him, admiration for his football and I wish him the best as a player for the future but above all, as a person."

He added: "We're talking about someone who made everyone dream and he deserved to win the Ballon d'Or, especially in the year he won the World Cup. It was clear then that he deserved it."

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With a very respectable 17.36 per cent of the vote, Iniesta followed Messi in second place at the 2010 ceremony.

In typical fashion, he played down feeling 'wronged' by the decision. "Ballon d'Or? The image of Xavi, Leo and me on the podium is bigger than me winning it," he said.

"Three players from La Masia on the podium was the biggest prize, not who won it."

Last year, he was once again asked about missing out on a Ballon d'Or. “No, I don't have a feeling of unfairness," insisted Iniesta.

"I'm always happy when I'm nominated and yes I wanted to win this award, but not winning it does not make me sad. I am very happy with what I have achieved in my career.”

Earlier this week, the 40-year-old announced his retirement after a trophy-laden career spanning 22 years.