The Curious Case of Highly-Ranked Players Who Didn’t Crack the Ballon d’Or Top 10
The Ballon d’Or. It’s the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, a glittering ceremony that crowns the world’s best player. However, the history of the award is also filled with names of exceptional talents who, despite stellar seasons, found themselves outside the coveted top 10. Let’s delve into some intriguing cases, examining why these players fell short in the eyes of voters.
A History of Near Misses
I’ve found that analyzing these “almosts” provides a fascinating insight into the subjective nature of the award and the factors that truly sway voters. It’s rarely just about goals and assists. Team success, narrative, and even position on the pitch play important roles.
Here’s a look at ten players who deserved more recognition, and why their efforts might not have fully translated into Ballon d’Or glory:
1. Matthias sammer (1996)
Sammer’s 1995-96 season with Borussia Dortmund was nothing short of phenomenal. He captained the team to Champions League victory, playing a crucial role as a sweeper and defensive midfielder. Remarkably, he also chipped in with nine goals.Despite this, he finished 6th, a testament to the dominance of the era’s top stars.
2. Paolo Maldini (1994)
Considered by many to be the greatest defender of all time, Maldini was a cornerstone of AC Milan’s legendary defense. In 1994, he led Milan to Champions League triumph, showcasing his exceptional leadership and defensive prowess. Yet, he only managed a 9th-place finish.
3. Xavi Hernandez (2010)
Xavi was the architect of both Barcelona’s and Spain’s incredible success during this period. He dictated the tempo of games with unparalleled precision, and was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup victory.However, he finished third, behind Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta.
4. Andres Iniesta (2010)
Alongside Xavi, Iniesta was the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain. His unforgettable goal in the World Cup final cemented his place in footballing folklore.Like Xavi, he finished just outside the top two, a victim of Messi’s otherworldly form.
5. Wesley Sneijder (2010)
This is arguably the most controversial near-miss in recent history. Sneijder led Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble - Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League – and captained the Netherlands to the World Cup final. despite this incredible achievement, he finished only 23rd.
6. Robert Lewandowski (2021)
Lewandowski enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2020-21, scoring 41 Bundesliga goals, surpassing Gerd Müller’s long-standing record. He was the driving force behind Bayern Munich’s league title. However, he finished second to lionel messi, a decision that sparked considerable debate.
7.Kevin De Bruyne (2022)
De Bruyne was arguably the best midfielder in the world during the 2021-22 season,leading manchester City to another Premier League title. His vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability were exceptional. He finished third, behind Karim Benzema and sadio Mané.
8. Ruud van Nistelrooy (2003)
Van Nistelrooy was a goal-scoring machine for Manchester United, consistently finding the back of the net. In 2003, he scored 28 Premier League goals, but finished fifth in
