Real Madrid star Kroos aims not-so-subtle dig after Man City named Ballon d'Or Club of the Year

• Kroos surprised by Madrid's third place
• Champions League winners lost to Man City
• Liverpool came in second in rankings

WHAT HAPPENED? Manchester City were given the Club of the Year prize because they were the side with the most nominations in total across the men and women's categories at the Ballon d'Or awards. Liverpool came in second in the rankings, while Madrid were third.

WHAT THEY SAID: Kroos took to Twitter to express his disappointment at the perceived snub, posting: "3rd best team in 2021/22 - happy [Real Madrid]?"

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Despite winning the Champions League - knocking City out in the semi-finals - and La Liga and having eventual Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema in their side, Madrid trailed their rivals in nominees. City and Liverpool had six overall, while Madrid were one behind with five.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty

Getty Images

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID? Ballon d'Or winner Benzema and Kroos will be back in action with Madrid this week when they take on Elche in La Liga on Wednesday.