Sporting News · Oct 31, 2016
Bale not interested in Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has stressed he is not overly bothered about winning the Ballon d'Or, with titles at team level his preference.
The 27-year-old made France Football's 30-man long-list for the prestigious individual award and is regarded as one of the outsiders to win it, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the inevitable favorites.
Nevertheless, Bale, who signed a new six-year deal at Madrid on Sunday, is adamant lifting the Ballon d'Or does not top his priority list by any means.
"The Ballon d'Or has never been a personal goal for me. I never dreamed about winning the Ballon d'Or. I dreamed about winning Champions League and league titles," Bale said at a media conference.