Mats Hummels has compared Real Madrid to Donald Trump after they boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony this week.
Real Madrid made headlines earlier this week as the entire club decided to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris after finding out that Vinicius Junior was not going to win the prestigious award. Manchester City midfielder Rodri pipped the Real Madrid start to the award, and the Spanish giants were left angered by the decision, so much so that no one from the club appeared at the ceremony.
"A bit Trump-like" - Mats Hummels on Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott
Their no-show led to a big debate in the football community, at whether or not the decision to boycott the ceremony was the right move.
Former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has now weighed in on the matter. And the 35 year old believes that Real Madrid's boycott of the ceremony showed a lack of respect.
On his podcast Alleine ist schwer, Hummels said, "Using the words 'lack of respect' for not winning an election is a bit Trump-like, and unfortunately it's disrespectful to others. That's the bad thing. There's no question that someone from Real would have been a deserving winner. But there are other amazing players who are just as good. And to not honour them is really bad."
Hummels, of course, was at the ceremony and finished 29th in the Ballon d'Or rankings. The centre-back had an excellent season with Borussia Dortmund and played a crucial role in the club's run to the UEFA Champions League final.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner is now at AS Roma and made his debut for the Italian side last weekend.