James Rodriguez backs Luis Diaz's Ballon d'Or bid

Colombia captain James Rodriguez said teammate Luis Diaz is a genuine contender for this year's Ballon d'Or after a standout season with Bayern Munich, adding that a deep World Cup run would cement the winger's world-class status. Diaz secured the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his debut season with Bayern, finishing with 26 goals and 23 assists across all competitions, with only team-mate Michael Olise recording more league assists.

Assessing Diaz's chances, Rodriguez told Fabrizio Romano: “Luis Diaz as Ballon d’Or, why not? For me he’s top five in the world right now already. If we get to the final, he can win the Ballon d’Or.” A triumphant international campaign could make Diaz the first Colombian to win the prize; Radamel Falcao's fifth place in 2012 remains the nation's best finish, while Rodriguez was eighth in 2014.

Colombia

luis diaz, james rodriguez, ballon d'or, bayern munich, world cup, bundesliga, dfb-pokal, michael olise, colombia, radamel falcao