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Luka Modric, Ballon d'Or

Sneijder thanks Modric for dedication following 'deserved' Ballon d'Or triumph

Wesley Sneijder took to Instagram to congratulate Luka Modric after the Real Madrid star dedicated his recent Ballon d'Or to the Dutchman and other players that were never able to capture the award.

Modric was recognized as the winner on Monday, topping Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann to win the award with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi rounding out the top five.

The Croatian's win ended Messi and Ronaldo's duopoly, with the two having won each of the last 10 awards dating back to 2007.

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Modric became the first player since Kaka to upset the Messi-Ronaldo dominance, and the Real Madrid star went on to dedicate his award to "all these players that probably deserved to win but didn't".

He singled out Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sneijder, with the Dutch star, currently on the books at Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa, responding via Instagram.

"Playing against you was both difficult and enjoyable," the former Inter star said in the post.

"Seeing you dedicating the Ballon d'Or to other players including myself shows your greatness yet humbleness.

"Completely deserved Luka, congratulations!"

Sneijder was unlucky not to be recognized for his 2010 campaign, one which saw the midfielder lead Inter to the treble.

In addition, Sneijder guided the Netherlands to the World Cup final, where he was recognized with the Silver Ball despite falling to Spain in the final.

Despite his successes, Sneijder did not make the Ballon d'Or top three that season, with Lionel Messi topping Barcelona team-mates Xavi and Iniesta to win the award.

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