Coinciding with the Vinicius case, who are all the players who were wronged by the Ballon d’Or?
Introduction: The Ballon d’Or Controversies
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually to the best football player in the world, is one of the sport’s most prestigious honors. While some winners are undisputedly deserving, the history of the award is littered with controversy and debate over who truly deserved to win. Over the years, several legendary players missed out on this accolade, often due to the criteria, timing, or, some argue, outright bias. Here, we’ll explore some of the biggest Ballon d’Or snubs in football history.
1. Thierry Henry (2003)
In 2003, Arsenal’s prolific striker Thierry Henry was in scintillating form. Known for his blistering pace, precise finishing, and ability to create magic from nowhere, he scored 32 goals across all competitions, leading Arsenal to an FA Cup triumph and laying the foundation for the “Invincibles” season. However, the Ballon d’Or went to Juventus’ Pavel Nedvěd, who, despite a strong season, didn’t quite have the individual brilliance Henry showcased. Many still believe Henry was the rightful winner, as his contributions to both Arsenal and France went underappreciated.
2. Wesley Sneijder (2010)
Few players had as strong a case for the Ballon d’Or as Wesley Sneijder in 2010. The Dutch midfielder was instrumental in Inter Milan’s historic treble, which included winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. He also led the Netherlands to the World Cup final that summer, scoring five goals throughout the tournament. Shockingly, he didn’t even make it to the top three in the Ballon d’Or rankings, which was ultimately awarded to Lionel Messi. Many fans and pundits saw this as a gross oversight, as Sneijder’s impact that season was unparalleled.
3. Franck Ribéry (2013)
Franck Ribéry’s 2013 season with Bayern Munich was the stuff of legends. The French winger led Bayern to a Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal treble, contributing crucial goals and assists along the way. Ribéry was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or for his key role in Bayern’s success. However, the award went to Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a prolific year but didn’t match Ribéry’s team achievements. Ribéry later expressed his disappointment, feeling the decision was biased and politically influenced.
4. Robert Lewandowski (2020)
When Robert Lewandowski enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2020, scoring 55 goals in 47 appearances and leading Bayern Munich to a treble, he seemed the clear frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers canceled the award for the first time since its inception. Lewandowski’s incredible form continued, yet he missed the chance to claim what many believe was a deserved Ballon d’Or win, leaving fans disappointed and sparking further debate on the award’s reliability.
5. Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta (2008-2012)
Barcelona’s legendary midfield duo, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, were pivotal in one of the most successful club teams in history, alongside Lionel Messi. They were also key figures in Spain’s dominance in international football, with European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and a World Cup victory in 2010. Despite their unparalleled influence on the game and Barcelona’s success, neither player ever won the Ballon d’Or, often overshadowed by their teammate Messi. The footballing world has widely acknowledged that Xavi and Iniesta deserved at least one Ballon d’Or each during their peak years.
6. Raúl González (2001)
A symbol of Real Madrid, Raúl González had an incredible 2001 season, topping the La Liga goal-scoring charts and winning the Pichichi Trophy. A tireless player with a remarkable football IQ, Raúl was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success during his era. Despite his performances and leadership, the Ballon d’Or went to Liverpool’s Michael Owen. Raúl’s snub in 2001 is still seen as a glaring omission for one of Spain’s all-time greats.
7. Paolo Maldini (Never Won)
Arguably one of the best defenders to ever grace the game, Paolo Maldini played his entire career with AC Milan, captaining the team through a series of domestic and European successes. Renowned for his defensive abilities, leadership, and loyalty, he was rarely acknowledged for his contributions in Ballon d’Or voting. Defensive players are often overlooked in favor of attacking players, and Maldini, despite being in the top 10 on several occasions, never won the coveted award.
8. David Beckham (1999)
David Beckham was an iconic figure in Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning season. Known for his precision passing, crosses, and free-kick prowess, Beckham’s performances that year were instrumental in United’s success. Yet the Ballon d’Or was awarded to Rivaldo, who had a stellar individual season but did not achieve the same team success. Many believed Beckham was wronged, especially given his contributions to United’s historic treble.
Final Thoughts: The Ballon d’Or and Its Legacy
The Ballon d’Or, as prestigious as it is, will always spark debate and discussion. While it celebrates the sport’s best players, it has also been criticized for favoring certain types of players and for occasional oversight of some of football’s true legends. As the award continues, we can only hope it brings greater recognition to deserving players from all positions on the field.
Keywords: Ballon d’Or snubs, greatest Ballon d’Or injustices, players who deserved the Ballon d’Or, football awards, football legends Ballon d’Or, biggest Ballon d’Or controversies