Franck Ribery
A tormented soul at the last World Cup and a restrained man two years ago at Euro 2012, Frenchman Franck Ribery has once again become what made him of one the brightest players in Europe - a carefree character who loves to play football.
Dubbed the jewel of French football, however, was a rough diamond and it took a few scrapes over the years to polish it and get the final product, which Ribery now is as he gears up for his third World Cup.
Ribery's attitude on and off the pitch is the best example of how he feels, with the winger, who says he enjoys a great relationship with Bayern coach Pep Guardiola.
He was voted UEFA's Best Player in Europe for 2013 but it was not enough to clinch FIFA's Ballon d'Or trophy as the world's best player, a disappointment he quickly put behind him after finishing third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
A top-notch display at this year's World Cup in Brazil could help him claim the award this year because there is no doubt he has fulfilled his potential and is one of the world's great players.
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