I won't win Ballon d'Or because I don't pose in underpants like Cristiano Ronaldo- Neuer

Manuel Neuer has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the Real Madrid star will win the Ballon d'Or as much for his image as his skills.

The Germany goalkeeper is considered one of the front-runners for this year's award, but some way behind the favourite Ronaldo.

Neuer seemed to suggest his chances are hampered because, unlike Ronaldo, he doesn't go in for the 'red carpet' lifestyle, or have underwear modelling deals.

'I'm a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas' first goalkeeper,' Neuer told Kicker. 'I'm not some guy who poses in his underpants' 

'I don't like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be.' 

Neuer was a key part of the Germany team that won last summer's World Cup, and the most likely from amongst the squad to win the individual award.

But the Bayern Munich stopper believes that goalkeepers have little chance of winning individual awards.

The Ballon d'Or has not been awarded to a goalkeeper since 1963, and only two defenders have won it in the past twenty years.

'After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists,' explained Neuer. 'Spectators don't tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back' 

The Real Madrid star has won the Ballon d'Or twice, most recently in 2013, and looks set to win again

Ronaldo has won two Ballon D'ors, while Lionel Messi has been given the award on four occassions