Speaking to France Football, the 31-year-old said of Ballon d'Or glory: "Of course I'm thinking about it! And, why not say, I believe in it. I feel like my performances make me a credible candidate. I'm continuing to progress, I'm playing in teams, whether Bayern or England, that are natural contenders for big titles.
"So, with my individual performances and a major team trophy like the Champions League, why couldn't I believe in my chances? I've dreamed of the Ballon d'Or since I was a kid, and even more so with the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era that has given an even bigger prestige to this award. Who knows if in 2025 we won't see each other again for another interview?"