Ali Daei, retired football player and former coach of Iran national team, was one of the participants of Ballon d’Or 2013. Daei as of June 2007 is a member of the FIFA Football Committee so the international organization usually calls him for important ceremonies. He was the only Iranian who joined Ballon d’Or 2013.
“Actually it was a magnificent and glorious ceremony. Most of the renowned football players and coaches gathered in this ceremony. Lionel Messi won his fourth consecutive golden ball and all the participants stood on their feet to cheer Messi. He was also unable to talk a word because he was amazed of his selection.” said Ali Daei, the former player of Persepolis FC and Bayern Munich.
Ali Daei went on to praise the significant power of Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Spain has dominated the world football. As you saw most of the winners in this ceremony were playing in a La Liga side club. This proves the great power of Spanish teams in football.”
“Cristiano Ronaldo was very sad. Messi didn’t pay tribute to him when he went on stage. Unfortunately all of the nominees of Ballon d’Or 2013 were among best football players in history and it was very hard to pick up the best one. But I have voted for Lionel Messi during the recent years.” Ali Daei added.
Ali Daei is currently the head coach of Rah Ahan FC.