Seunfunmi Joshua
The Ballon D’or, one of football’s most prestigious awards, has honored the game’s top players since 1956. Yet, not every winner has been without controversy. Over the years, several decisions have ignited widespread debate, with the most recent example being last night’s award going to Manchester City’s holding midfielder Rodri over Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Fans and experts alike claimed that the honor was “robbed” from a more deserving candidate.
Here’s a look at seven (7) unforgettable moments, including last night’s, where the Ballon D’or left many questioning its decision.
- Thierry Henry (2003)
Winner: Pavel Nedvěd
Controversy: In 2003, Arsenal’s Thierry Henry had a remarkable year, scoring 32 goals and providing numerous assists, securing the Premier League title. However, the Ballon D’or went to Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedvěd. While Nedvěd’s playmaking led Juventus to a Champions League final, many felt Henry’s impact on Arsenal and his dazzling performances deserved the top honor. His snub remains one of the most hotly debated.
- Wesley Sneijder (2010)
Winner: Lionel Messi
Controversy: Wesley Sneijder had an extraordinary 2010, leading Inter Milan to a historic treble and playing a crucial role in the Netherlands reaching the World Cup final. Despite his undeniable influence, the award went to Lionel Messi, who, while brilliant, hadn’t matched Sneijder’s accomplishments that season. The snub of Sneijder raised questions about whether team achievements and international performance should weigh more in the award’s selection.
- Andres Iniesta (2010 & 2012)
Winner: Lionel Messi
Iniesta’s vital role in Spain’s World Cup victory in South Africa, including scoring the final’s winning goal, earned him second place. But it wasn’t enough to surpass Messi, who clinched his second consecutive award.
Iniesta played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2012 win and helped Barcelona dominate domestically. Yet, Messi’s record-breaking 91 goals in a calendar year secured his fourth consecutive Ballon D’or, leaving Iniesta in third place.
- Franck Ribéry (2013)
Winner: Cristiano Ronaldo
Controversy: Franck Ribéry’s 2013 season with Bayern Munich was nothing short of phenomenal. He led the club to a historic treble, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League. Though Ronaldo’s stats were impressive, he didn’t win any major trophies that year. Many believed that Ribéry’s all-around contributions were overlooked, sparking criticism of the Ballon D’or voting system.
- Manuel Neuer (2014)
Winner: Cristiano Ronaldo
Controversy: It’s rare for a goalkeeper to even be considered for the Ballon D’or, but Manuel Neuer’s 2014 performance was extraordinary. He was instrumental in Germany’s World Cup victory and was a rock for Bayern Munich. However, despite his achievements and a pivotal role in reshaping the role of a modern goalkeeper, Ronaldo took home the trophy. The snub ignited a debate on whether goalkeepers and defenders are undervalued in the Ballon D’or rankings.
- Robert Lewandowski (2020)
Winner: Award Cancelled
Controversy: In 2020, Robert Lewandowski was the clear favorite for the Ballon D’or after a sensational season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal. With 55 goals in all competitions, Lewandowski’s performances were historic. But the COVID-19 pandemic led to the award’s cancellation, leaving him without the recognition many believe he was owed. Even Lionel Messi later acknowledged that Lewandowski deserved a Ballon D’or.
Each of these instances highlights the subjective nature of the Ballon D’or voting process, raising questions about how deserving candidates are evaluated and whether the selection criteria should be reconsidered to reflect individual brilliance and team success alike.
- Vinícius Júnior (2023)
Winner: Rodrigo Hernández
Controversy: The 2023 Ballon D’or once again has stirred controversy, with many fans and analysts questioning why Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior missed out in favor of Spanish and Manchester City’s holding midfielder Rodrigo Hernández (often simply known as Rodri). Vinícius had an exceptional season, showcasing electrifying skill, scoring crucial goals, and consistently being Madrid’s most dangerous attacker in both La Liga and the Champions League. His performances saw him break into the conversation as one of the world’s top players, with his creativity and game-changing abilities pivotal for Madrid’s campaign.
Rodri, meanwhile, had an impressive season of his own, playing a vital role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign and delivering key performances during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. However, some critics argued that his contributions, while essential, didn’t have the same impact as Vinícius’ more dynamic and decisive performances. Others even felt that Rodri wasn’t Spain’s standout player in their championship run, which further fueled skepticism about his selection for the award.
Social Media Reactions
The decision has sparked a worldwide debate on what the Ballon D’or values most: consistency, statistical impact, or high-stakes moments. Many fans argued that Vinícius’ brilliance in critical games was more than enough to eclipse Rodri’s achievements. The controversy has reignited calls for clearer, more transparent criteria in Ballon D’or voting, as fans and pundits alike question what truly defines the world’s best player.
Wrapping Up,
Each of these instances underscores the subjective nature of the Ballon D’or voting process, raising questions about how deserving candidates are evaluated and whether the criteria should be reconsidered to reflect both individual brilliance and team success. These moments highlight the complexity of selecting a single “best” player in a sport as multifaceted as football, sparking ongoing debates around player achievements, positional biases, and even the legacy of the Messi vs. Ronaldo rivalry.
