And Rooney believes Ronaldo was a worthier winner.
"Luka Modric is a fantastic player," Rooney told DAZN.
"I think his passing is great and the way he moves with the ball.
"Actually he doesn't look that quick to the eye but when you play against him he glides past players. He's a fantastic player, he's had a great career.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star celebrates with Wayne Rooney during his Man Utd days (Image: GETTY)
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"I don't think he's the best player in the world but in terms of the year is he worthy of it? Of course, he is. He had a great year with Real Madrid and obviously had a great run as captain with Croatia.
"I think if it was player-voted I would have voted for Ronaldo this year, but taking nothing away from Luka Modric. He won it so he deserves it."
Rooney did praise Modric, however, who he came up against during his time at United.
The Croatia international was at Tottenham at the time.