Cruyff blasts Ronaldo decision

AJAX and Holland legend Johan Cruyff has become the latest football figurehead to criticise the decision to award Ronaldo the Ballon D'Or, claiming the Real Madrid ace should not have been in the top three.

Ronaldo picked up the accolade after shooting Brazil to World Cup glory but the choice has not been popular in some quarters.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry claimed Michael Ballack should have won the award and now Cruyff has added his thoughts on the matter.

"(Thierry) Henry, Roberto Carlos and Raul all deserved it more," said Cruyff.

"They deserved more in this order - Henry, Roberto Carlos, Raul.

"Ronaldo has had a great World Cup but he has played very few matches in the season, while Henry had a fabulous season.

"Raul has been playing very well for a number of years and Roberto Carlos has taken everything this year.

Cruyff was himself voted European Player of the Year three times in the 1970s.