The Contentious History of the Ballon d’Or
Table of Contents
Paris – The annual awarding of the Ballon d’or, recognizing the world’s best footballer, is rarely without debate. Regardless of the recipient, dissatisfaction inevitably arises, fueled by differing opinions on player performance and selection criteria. The rise of social media has amplified thes discussions,turning every decision into a global conversation.
A History of Disagreement
The Ballon d’Or’s history is marked by moments of intense scrutiny and disagreement. Since 1995,when eligibility expanded to include players outside of Europe,the potential for controversy has grown. Here’s a look at some of the most notable instances:
2024: Rodri’s Victory and Vinícius Júnior’s Absence
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was widely considered the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.However, Manchester City’s rodri ultimately claimed the prize, a result that prompted disappointment from Vinícius and his club, leading to their absence from the awards ceremony in Paris.
2019: Messi‘s Win and Accusations of Influence
Lionel Messi’s 2019 win sparked controversy, with accusations leveled against Paris Saint-Germain and its president, Nasser al-Khlaïfi. Reports in Le Monde suggested that gifts and trips were offered to Pascal Ferré, then head of France Football, in an attempt to sway the voting process in Messi’s favor.
Did You Know? The Ballon d’Or was originally awarded to the best European player, starting in 1956, before expanding to include all nationalities in 1995.
2019: Van Dijk Snubbed
Virgil van Dijk’s extraordinary 2018-2019 season with Liverpool, culminating in a Champions League title and a dominant defensive performance, was arguably overlooked. Despite his pivotal role in Liverpool’s success, Messi secured the award with 686 votes to Van Dijk’s 679, a decision many felt undervalued defensive contributions.
2013 & 2014: Ronaldo’s Dominance
Cristiano Ronaldo’s prolific goal-scoring form in 2013, with 69 goals, and his leadership in qualifying Portugal for the 2014 World Cup led to renewed scrutiny of the voting process, prompting UEFA to re-examine the ballots. The following year, despite Manuel Neuer’s outstanding performance – winning the World Cup as Germany’s goalkeeper and maintaining a remarkably low goals-against record - Ronaldo again secured the award.
2010: A Spanish Triumph and Messi’s Emergence
Spain’s historic 2010 World Cup victory,spearheaded by andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández,seemed destined to see one of these midfielders claim the Ballon d’Or. Though, Lionel Messi emerged victorious, a surprising outcome given the dominant performances of his Barcelona teammates throughout the year.
2003: Henry’s Challenge and nedvěd’s Upset
Thierry Henry enjoyed a peak season with Arsenal in 2003, but Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedvěd, who had won Serie A and the Champions League, unexpectedly claimed the award, despite Henry’s stellar form.
Early 2000s: Raúl and Owen’s Victories
at the turn of the millennium, Raúl González was widely considered a leading contender after becoming the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League. However, Michael Owen, fueled by titles in the FA cup, UEFA Cup, and European Super Cup, secured the award. Similarly, Ronaldo Nazário’s extraordinary start with Real Madrid was challenged by Matthias Sammer, who led borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title and played a key role in Germany’s Eurocup victory.
Pro Tip: Understanding the voting criteria, which has evolved over time, is crucial to interpreting the history of the Ballon d’Or and the controversies surrounding it.
Ballon d’Or Controversies: A Timeline
| Year | controversy | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Vinícius Júnior’s absence after Rodri’s win | Rod
 |