Franck Ribery named French Footballer of the Year

Franck Ribery has been elected French Footballer of the Year for the third time, France Football magazine says.
Ribery, 30, won the treble with Bayern Munich last season and helped France qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

He won the poll conducted by France Football ahead of Paris St Germain’s Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba from Italy’s Juventus.


Ribery previously won the award in 2007 and 2008, and now hopes to match Thierry Henry, who took the honours a record five times.

‘‘Now I want the record,’’ Ribery said, adding that he deserved the prize.
‘‘In all modesty, this is normal. I played a great season. I deserve this honour for my performances with Bayern and Les Bleus.

‘‘I have never been as good, I am in the form of my life.’’
Ribery also won the European Footballer award in summer, and joins Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the final shortlist for the World Player award, the Ballon d’Or.