Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has taken a Ballon d'Or swipe at Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Germany goalkeeper is considered one of the front-runners for this year's award, but some way behind the favourite Ronaldo.
"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."
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."
