FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNERS (TIME TO REWRITE HISTORY)

1956 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Stanley Matthews - Ballon D’Or winner). Di Stefano should have won this award. Achievements: 1956 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, Pequeña Copa del Mundo de Clubes/Small Club World Cup: 1956. The Legendary English Winger its first recipient didn’t manage to win a title in 1956. Di Stefano had a superb season and won titles. Dagoods really doubts Matthews played had a better season than the Argentine.

1957 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Alfredo Di Stefano – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees with this selection. No complaints whatsoever!

1958 – PELE (Raymond Kopa – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a World Cup year and a certain 17 year old kid by the name of Pele managed to score 58 goals in 38 games in the Brazilian League. Furthermore, he won the SILVER BALL & SILVER BOOT awards in the 1958 WC. Honorable Mention: Didi was on top of his game as was the best player of the 1958 World Cup (Golden Ball)! This was a tough choice. DIDI was the mastermind pulling the strings for the Brazilian NT but Pele rose to the challenge. Despite his young age, his goals (2 goals in the Final) sealed the deal for the Selecao. Congratulations O Rei on becoming the youngest FIFA BALLON D’OR winner!

1959 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Alfredo Di Stefano – Ballon D’Or winner). . Dagoods agrees with this selection. No complaints whatsoever! Achievements: 1959 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, and Spanish Player (Athlete) of the Year. Congratulations Blonde Arrow/Vieja on becoming (HE SHOULD HAVE) been the first 3X FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER!

1960 – FERENC PUSKAS (Luis Suarez – Ballon D’Or winner). The Galloping Major or Cañoncito Pum Pum gets Dagoods vote! Puskas scored 52 goals in 39 total games. Achievements: 1960 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, and the first ever Intercontinental Cup. On the other hand, Suarez only won la liga in 1960 with Barcelona. An honorable mention goes to Lev Yashin (1960 Euro Cup winner with the USSR).

1961 – PELE (Omar Sivori – Ballon D’Or winner). Sivori scored a total of 28 goals in 29 games and won the 1961 Scudetto with Juve. Pretty impressive indeed but O Rei managed to score 55 goals in 33 games. Achievements in 1961: Campeonato Paulista, Taça Brasil, Campeonato Paulista top scorer. Pele and Santos played in numerous Friendly Club Tournaments during this era. Santos won the following Friendly Club Tournaments in 1961: Tournament of Paris, Tournament of Italy, and Tournament of Costa 1961. O Rei was in his prime and he was without a doubt the best player on earth. Santos were one of the better side dominating one of the strongest (if not the strongest) league in the world. O Rei gets Dagoods vote!

1962 – GARRINCHA (Josef Masopust – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1962 was a WC year and Garrincha took this WC by storm. Alegria do Povo won the Golden Ball Award and tied for the Golden Boot. This was a tough choice. Yes Dagoods understands Masopust led his country to the WC Finals (won the Silver Ball) but Pele won the Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup, and World Cup. This was really a battle between both Pele and Garrincha. Too bad O Rei picked up an injury and the rest is history. Garrincha’s 1962 WC performance remains one of the best WC performances by any player ever!

1963 – PELE (Lev Yashin – Ballon D’Or winner). O Rei should have won the FIFA Ballon D’Or award in 1963. The Black Spider, won the Soviet League with Dynamo Moscow (was voted GK of the Soviet League) in 1963. However, that was the only title Lev Yashin managed to win in 1963. On the other hand, Pele led Santos to yet another Copa Libertadores Trophy, Taça Brazil, and Intercontinental Cup. Furthermore, he was the Campeonato Paulista top scorer and won the Roca Cup with Brazil in 1963 as well. An honorable mention: Gianni Rivera! The golden boy won the 1963 UCL Cup with Milan but lost to Santos in the 1963 Intercontinental Cup (Pele scored two goals in the final). As a matter of fact, O Rei scored a total of 67 goals in 52 games. Don’t worry Mr. Yashin, Dagoods still considers you the greatest GK of all-time.

1964 – LUIS SUAREZ (Denis Law – Ballon D’Or winner). The Architect was the mastermind behind Inter Milan’s 1964 scudetto win and UCL title. In addition, Suarez was also a key member of the 1964 Euro Cup winning Spanish side. Denis Law scored an outstanding 46 goals in 41 games but did not manage to win any titles. Honorable mention: Sandro Mazzola, won the same amount of club titles, scored 2 goals in the 1964 UCL Final, and 1 goal in the Intercontinal Cup Finals.

1965 – EUSEBIO (Eusebio – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a very tough choice. Eusebio won the 1965 Ballon D’Or winner over the likes of Facchetti and Suarez. The latter two won 3 titles: Scudetto, UCL, and Intercontinental Cup. The Portuguese legend won the Portuguese league and the Taça de Honra with Benfica. Eusebio was the UCL and Portuguese top scorer in 1965 as well. The Inter Milan legend came in second place and Dagoods agrees. Eusebio was in his prime during this time and no one stood out more than he did.

1966 – BOBBY CHARLTON (Bobby Charlton – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees! 1966 was a WC year and Bobby Charlton led his team to WC glory. Charlton was voted FWA Footballer of the year and won the 1966 WC golden ball award.

1967 – JIMMY JOHNSTONE (Florian Albert – Ballon D’Or winner). Mr. Albert had a fine season. He won the Hungarian League and was the top scorer of the Fair’s Cup. The Hungarian Legend had a good season but Jimmy Johnstone (came in 3rd place) won just about every club title possible: Scottish League, Scottish Cup, Scottish Super Cup, and the UCL. The Scottish Legend had a sublime season and was the main leader of his club. Honorable Mentions: Perfumo, Basile, Raffo, and Cardenas (Racing, Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup winners).

1968 – GEORGE BEST (George Best - Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. The 5th Beatle was voted FWA Footballer, scored a total of 32 goals in 53 games, and won the European Cup (UCL) with Manchester United in 1968. Best was on top of his game, and played crucial role behind United's dominating form in 1960’s.

1969 – GIANNI RIVERA (Gianni Rivera – Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. The Golden Boy led AC Milan to another UCL title and this time around the Rossoneri were able to capture the Intercontinental Cup.

1970 – PELE (Gerd Muller – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1970 was a WC year and O Rei and company simply dominated from start to finish. Pele won the Golden Ball Award and his third World Cup Trophy. The greatest of all-time should have won his fourth FIFA BALLON D’OR award (surpassing Di Stefano).

 

FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNERS (TIME TO REWRITE HISTORY)

1956 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Stanley Matthews - Ballon D’Or winner). Di Stefano should have won this award. Achievements: 1956 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, Pequeña Copa del Mundo de Clubes/Small Club World Cup: 1956. The Legendary English Winger its first recipient didn’t manage to win a title in 1956. Di Stefano had a superb season and won titles. Dagoods really doubts Matthews played had a better season than the Argentine.

1957 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Alfredo Di Stefano – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees with this selection. No complaints whatsoever!

1958 – PELE (Raymond Kopa – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a World Cup year and a certain 17 year old kid by the name of Pele managed to score 58 goals in 38 games in the Brazilian League. Furthermore, he won the SILVER BALL & SILVER BOOT awards in the 1958 WC. Honorable Mention: Didi was on top of his game as was the best player of the 1958 World Cup (Golden Ball)! This was a tough choice. DIDI was the mastermind pulling the strings for the Brazilian NT but Pele rose to the challenge. Despite his young age, his goals (2 goals in the Final) sealed the deal for the Selecao. Congratulations O Rei on becoming the youngest FIFA BALLON D’OR winner!

Cant agree (dont mean to hate either). Its Didí for me. Otherwise its like giving it to Gerson in 1970 for having a phenomenal WC AND winning at home too, isnt it?
You also have a guy like Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in the same WC... 13!! He scored in every game played. He also won everything there was to be won in France, being top scorer there too... I know he was not even Ballon d'Or winner, but this man had a phenomenal WC. Was only Bronze Ball because France lost in semis to Brazil, after playing more than half the game with Jonquet broken.
BTW, it was not the Brazilian League, it was the Paulista league. Also, dont forget Pelé scored a bunch of goals in the Rio-Sao Paulo. But still...

1959 – ALFREDO DI STEFANO (Alfredo Di Stefano – Ballon D’Or winner). . Dagoods agrees with this selection. No complaints whatsoever! Achievements: 1959 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, and Spanish Player (Athlete) of the Year. Congratulations Blonde Arrow/Vieja on becoming (HE SHOULD HAVE) been the first 3X FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER!

1960 – FERENC PUSKAS (Luis Suarez – Ballon D’Or winner). The Galloping Major or Cañoncito Pum Pum gets Dagoods vote! Puskas scored 52 goals in 39 total games. Achievements: 1960 European Cup (UCL) winner, Pichichi of la Liga, and the first ever Intercontinental Cup. On the other hand, Suarez only won la liga in 1960 with Barcelona. An honorable mention goes to Lev Yashin (1960 Euro Cup winner with the USSR).

1961 – PELE (Omar Sivori – Ballon D’Or winner). Sivori scored a total of 28 goals in 29 games and won the 1961 Scudetto with Juve. Pretty impressive indeed but O Rei managed to score 55 goals in 33 games. Achievements in 1961: Campeonato Paulista, Taça Brasil, Campeonato Paulista top scorer. Pele and Santos played in numerous Friendly Club Tournaments during this era. Santos won the following Friendly Club Tournaments in 1961: Tournament of Paris, Tournament of Italy, and Tournament of Costa 1961. O Rei was in his prime and he was without a doubt the best player on earth. Santos were one of the better side dominating one of the strongest (if not the strongest) league in the world. O Rei gets Dagoods vote!

1962 – GARRINCHA (Josef Masopust – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1962 was a WC year and Garrincha took this WC by storm. Alegria do Povo won the Golden Ball Award and tied for the Golden Boot. This was a tough choice. Yes Dagoods understands Masopust led his country to the WC Finals (won the Silver Ball) but Pele won the Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup, and World Cup. This was really a battle between both Pele and Garrincha. Too bad O Rei picked up an injury and the rest is history. Garrincha’s 1962 WC performance remains one of the best WC performances by any player ever!

1963 – PELE (Lev Yashin – Ballon D’Or winner). O Rei should have won the FIFA Ballon D’Or award in 1963. The Black Spider, won the Soviet League with Dynamo Moscow (was voted GK of the Soviet League) in 1963. However, that was the only title Lev Yashin managed to win in 1963. On the other hand, Pele led Santos to yet another Copa Libertadores Trophy, Taça Brazil, and Intercontinental Cup. Furthermore, he was the Campeonato Paulista top scorer and won the Roca Cup with Brazil in 1963 as well. An honorable mention: Gianni Rivera! The golden boy won the 1963 UCL Cup with Milan but lost to Santos in the 1963 Intercontinental Cup (Pele scored two goals in the final). As a matter of fact, O Rei scored a total of 67 goals in 52 games. Don’t worry Mr. Yashin, Dagoods still considers you the greatest GK of all-time.

1964 – LUIS SUAREZ (Denis Law – Ballon D’Or winner). The Architect was the mastermind behind Inter Milan’s 1964 scudetto win and UCL title. In addition, Suarez was also a key member of the 1964 Euro Cup winning Spanish side. Denis Law scored an outstanding 46 goals in 41 games but did not manage to win any titles. Honorable mention: Sandro Mazzola, won the same amount of club titles, scored 2 goals in the 1964 UCL Final, and 1 goal in the Intercontinal Cup Finals.

1965 – EUSEBIO (Eusebio – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a very tough choice. Eusebio won the 1965 Ballon D’Or winner over the likes of Facchetti and Suarez. The latter two won 3 titles: Scudetto, UCL, and Intercontinental Cup. The Portuguese legend won the Portuguese league and the Taça de Honra with Benfica. Eusebio was the UCL and Portuguese top scorer in 1965 as well. The Inter Milan legend came in second place and Dagoods agrees. Eusebio was in his prime during this time and no one stood out more than he did.

1966 – BOBBY CHARLTON (Bobby Charlton – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees! 1966 was a WC year and Bobby Charlton led his team to WC glory. Charlton was voted FWA Footballer of the year and won the 1966 WC golden ball award.

1967 – JIMMY JOHNSTONE (Florian Albert – Ballon D’Or winner). Mr. Albert had a fine season. He won the Hungarian League and was the top scorer of the Fair’s Cup. The Hungarian Legend had a good season but Jimmy Johnstone (came in 3rd place) won just about every club title possible: Scottish League, Scottish Cup, Scottish Super Cup, and the UCL. The Scottish Legend had a sublime season and was the main leader of his club. Honorable Mentions: Perfumo, Basile, Raffo, and Cardenas (Racing, Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup winners).

1968 – GEORGE BEST (George Best - Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. The 5th Beatle was voted FWA Footballer, scored a total of 32 goals in 53 games, and won the European Cup (UCL) with Manchester United in 1968. Best was on top of his game, and played crucial role behind United's dominating form in 1960’s.

1969 – GIANNI RIVERA (Gianni Rivera – Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. The Golden Boy led AC Milan to another UCL title and this time around the Rossoneri were able to capture the Intercontinental Cup.

1970 – PELE (Gerd Muller – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1970 was a WC year and O Rei and company simply dominated from start to finish. Pele won the Golden Ball Award and his third World Cup Trophy. The greatest of all-time should have won his fourth FIFA BALLON D’OR award (surpassing Di Stefano).

... How about Didí in 1958 then? Muller scored a lot but won nothing. Guys like Gerson and Gigi Riva had a very good year in all fronts... Pelé did not have a good season at club level... I dont entirely disagree with your selection, though. Just saying...

 

Te comiste a Sivori...o a quien hayas elegido en el 61

 

1971 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Johan Cruyff – Ballon D’Or winner). The Dutch Wonder along with Ajax rose to power during this time. Cruyff was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, Silver Shoe in Euro Cup 1972 Qualifying Rounds and Final, won the KNVB Cup and the UCL with Ajax. Honorable mentions: Sandro Mazzola and Tostao (who was named S. American footballer of the year).

1972 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Franz Beckenbauer – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough one alright. Der Kaiser won the Bundesliga with Bayern and won the Euro Cup with Germany. However, Johan Cruyff was the European Cup Top Scorer, European Super Cup Top Scorer, Netherlands League Top Scorer, and he won with Ajax, the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UCL, Intercontinental Cup, and the first ever UEFA Super Cup. Johan Cruyff was in his prime and should have won the FIFA BALLON D’OR in 1972, IDHO!

1973 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Dino Zoff – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees with this selection. Cruyff and Ajax won the Eredivisie, UEFA Super Cup, and the UCL in 1973. He was the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) top scorer and was named Dutch Sportsman of the Year. This ties Cruyff with Di Stefano and Pele (3 time FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER). The Dutchman becomes the first footballer to win it 3 times in the row.

1974 – FRANZ BECKENBAUER (Johan Cruyff – Ballon D’Or winner). This is the way it should have been! 1974 was a WC year and Der Kaiser led his side to victory. He also won the Bundesliga, UCL with Bayern Munich, and was voted German Footballer of the year. Cruyff won the FIFA WC Golden Ball, la liga, and was named Dutch Sportsman of the Year but Dagoods feels that this was not enough.
1975 – OLEG BLOKHIN (Oleg Blokhin – Ballon D’Or winner). Mr. Blokhin had a superb season winning numerous titles and individual awards along the way: Soviet League Champion, Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup, named Soviet Footballer of the Year, Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, and was the Soviet Top League Scorer.

1976 - FRANZ BECKENBAUER (Franz Beckenbauer – Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. Der Kaiser led Bayern Munich to another UCL title and this time around the Germans were able to capture the Intercontinental Cup. In addition, Beckenbauer was voted German Footballer of the Year!

1977 – ZICO (Allan Simonsen – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough choice. Simonsen won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Mönchengladbach and reached the UCL final. The White Pele was entering his prime and was simply unplayable. He was named South American Footballer of the Year (despite not winning a league title), scored a total of 37 goals in 47 games, Rio State Championship Top Scorer, and won a Mundialito de Cáli (international tournament) with Brazil.

1978 – MARIO KEMPES (Kevin Keegan – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1978 was a WC year and El Matador had a superb tournament. Kempes won the Golden Ball Award, WC Golden Shoe and the Pichichi trophy with Valencia in 1978. Mario Kempes was the star that shone the brightest for the Albiceleste.

1979 – DIEGO MARADONA (Kevin Keegan – Ballon D’Or winner). Kevin Keegan won the Bundesliga with Hamburg in 1979 but a certain 19 year old prodigy (second youngest to win this award) was taking the football world by storm. In 1979 Maradona gave us all a glimpse of what was to come 7 years later. EL Pibe De Oro won the following awards: South American Footballer of the Year, Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, Argentine league Top Scorer, Golden Ball for Best Player of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and FIFA World Youth Championship. Honorable Mention: ZICO. The Brazilian legend won the Taça Guanabara, Campeonato Carioca, Troféu Ramón de Carranza, Rio State Championship Top Scorer, and Extra Rio State Championship Top Scorer.

1980 – DIEGO MARADONA (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – Ballon D’Or winner). Kalle won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and the Euro Cup with Germany. Was named German Footballer of the Year and was the Top Scorer of the Bundesliga. Evidently, this is a fine season for any footballer and worthy of a Ballon D’Or. How can anyone else compete? Easy, score 43 goals in 45 games. Diego Maradona was simply out of this world. He was the Argentine league Top Scorer, Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, and was named South American Footballer of the Year.

1981 – ZICO (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – Ballon D’Or winner). The White Pele was in his prime around this time. The Brazilian legend won the Rio State Championship, Copa Libertadores, and Intecontinental Cup with Flamengo. Zico was the Copa Libertadores Top Scorer and was named Copa Libertadores Player of the Tournament.

1982 – PAOLO ROSSI (Paolo Rossi – Ballon D’Or winner). 1982 was a WC year and Rossi delivered for Italia when it mattered most (it wasn’t pretty but effective nonetheless). Dagoods cannot disagree with this selection.

1983 - MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough choice. The FIFA Ballon D’Or Award could have gone to Maradona, Zico, or Platini. However,LE ROI led Juventus to the UCL finals and this gives him the edge. Platini won the Coppa Italia and was the Capocannoniere (SERIE A Top Scorer).

1984 – MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). LE ROI was still in his prime and his EURO 84 performance was his brightest moment! Achievements: Scudetto, European Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Capocannoniere, European Championship player of the tournament, European Championship top goalscorer and 1984 Euro Cup Winner.

1985 – MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). The French legend gets Dagoods vote again (Platini becomes the 4th player in history to win 3 FIFA BALLON D’ORS) and the second player in history to win it 3x in the row. Achievements: Artemio Franchi Trophy, 1985 European Cup Winner (UCL/Juventus), Intercontinental Cup Winner, Capocannoniere, European Cup/UCL top scorer, and Intercontinental Cup Man of the match.

1986 – DIEGO MARADONA (Igor Belanov – Ballon D’Or winner). Are you serious? Obviously EL DIEGO deserved to win the FIFA BALLON D’OR! This was a WC year and Maradona’s performance is one if not the greatest WC performance of them all. Acheivements: Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, Golden Ball for Best Player of the FIFA World Cup 1986, and 1986 FIFA WORLD CUP!

1987 – DIEGO MARADONA (Ruud Gullit – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods vote goes to Diego Maradona! This was a very close race. Onze D’Or declared Maradona the best player in the world. World Soccer Magazine named Ruud Gullit the best player in the world. Gullit won the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven and Maradona won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia with Napoli. Serie A was the toughest league in the world back then, therefore, Maradona gets Dagoods vote. This is El Diego’s 4th FIFA Ballon D’Or win (ties O Rei).

1988 – MARCO VAN BASTEN (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or winner). Marco “Goalo” Van Basten was very decisive for Holland in the 1988 Euro Cup. He scored a total of 5 goals to become the top scorer of the tournament and was also MVP of the tournament. Further Achievements: Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan. Honorable Mention: Ruud Gullit!

1989 - MARCO VAN BASTEN (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or winner). The Swan of Utrecht continued to dominate. Achievements: UCL Top Scorer, UCL, Intercontinental Cup, and European Super Cup. Van Basten scored two goals in the UCL final and looked unstoppable.

1990 – LOTHAR MATTHAUS (Lothar Matthaus – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a WC year and Matthaus led Germany to a memorable triumph in the 1990 World Cup final over Argentina. The German legend had a very solid WC tournament.

 

1971 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Johan Cruyff – Ballon D’Or winner). The Dutch Wonder along with Ajax rose to power during this time. Cruyff was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, Silver Shoe in Euro Cup 1972 Qualifying Rounds and Final, won the KNVB Cup and the UCL with Ajax. Honorable mentions: Sandro Mazzola and Tostao (who was named S. American footballer of the year).

1972 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Franz Beckenbauer – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough one alright. Der Kaiser won the Bundesliga with Bayern and won the Euro Cup with Germany. However, Johan Cruyff was the European Cup Top Scorer, European Super Cup Top Scorer, Netherlands League Top Scorer, and he won with Ajax, the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UCL, Intercontinental Cup, and the first ever UEFA Super Cup. Johan Cruyff was in his prime and should have won the FIFA BALLON D’OR in 1972, IDHO!

1973 – JOHAN CRUYFF (Dino Zoff – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods agrees with this selection. Cruyff and Ajax won the Eredivisie, UEFA Super Cup, and the UCL in 1973. He was the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) top scorer and was named Dutch Sportsman of the Year. This ties Cruyff with Di Stefano and Pele (3 time FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER). The Dutchman becomes the first footballer to win it 3 times in the row.

1974 – FRANZ BECKENBAUER (Johan Cruyff – Ballon D’Or winner). This is the way it should have been! 1974 was a WC year and Der Kaiser led his side to victory. He also won the Bundesliga, UCL with Bayern Munich, and was voted German Footballer of the year. Cruyff won the FIFA WC Golden Ball, la liga, and was named Dutch Sportsman of the Year but Dagoods feels that this was not enough.
1975 – OLEG BLOKHIN (Oleg Blokhin – Ballon D’Or winner). Mr. Blokhin had a superb season winning numerous titles and individual awards along the way: Soviet League Champion, Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup, named Soviet Footballer of the Year, Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, and was the Soviet Top League Scorer.

1976 - FRANZ BECKENBAUER (Franz Beckenbauer – Ballon D’Or winner). Yes, Dagoods agrees with this selection. Der Kaiser led Bayern Munich to another UCL title and this time around the Germans were able to capture the Intercontinental Cup. In addition, Beckenbauer was voted German Footballer of the Year!

1977 – ZICO (Allan Simonsen – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough choice. Simonsen won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Mönchengladbach and reached the UCL final. The White Pele was entering his prime and was simply unplayable. He was named South American Footballer of the Year (despite not winning a league title), scored a total of 37 goals in 47 games, Rio State Championship Top Scorer, and won a Mundialito de Cáli (international tournament) with Brazil.

Keegan for me. Won league and UCL with Liverpool and was FA Cup finalist. Got the most 1st place votes for Ballon d'Or anyways. Zico might have been the better footballer though, so...

1978 – MARIO KEMPES (Kevin Keegan – Ballon D’Or winner). Obviously, Dagoods disagrees! 1978 was a WC year and El Matador had a superb tournament. Kempes won the Golden Ball Award, WC Golden Shoe and the Pichichi trophy with Valencia in 1978. Mario Kempes was the star that shone the brightest for the Albiceleste.

1979 – DIEGO MARADONA (Kevin Keegan – Ballon D’Or winner). Kevin Keegan won the Bundesliga with Hamburg in 1979 but a certain 19 year old prodigy (second youngest to win this award) was taking the football world by storm. In 1979 Maradona gave us all a glimpse of what was to come 7 years later. EL Pibe De Oro won the following awards: South American Footballer of the Year, Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, Argentine league Top Scorer, Golden Ball for Best Player of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and FIFA World Youth Championship. Honorable Mention: ZICO. The Brazilian legend won the Taça Guanabara, Campeonato Carioca, Troféu Ramón de Carranza, Rio State Championship Top Scorer, and Extra Rio State Championship Top Scorer.

As phenomenal as Maradona already was (like you say, he was South American Player of the year without winning titles over guys like Zico and Falcao), I feel inclined to give it to Falcao for winning collective and individual awards in Brazil. Such a marvel of a footballer should get it at least once.

1980 – DIEGO MARADONA (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – Ballon D’Or winner). Kalle won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and the Euro Cup with Germany. Was named German Footballer of the Year and was the Top Scorer of the Bundesliga. Evidently, this is a fine season for any footballer and worthy of a Ballon D’Or. How can anyone else compete? Easy, score 43 goals in 45 games. Diego Maradona was simply out of this world. He was the Argentine league Top Scorer, Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, and was named South American Footballer of the Year.

Maradona was already the best out there imo. But he was still playing for Argentinos while Rummenigge won so much that year in Europe... On the other hand, it is an award to individual performance... Similar to Zico case in 1977.

1981 – ZICO (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – Ballon D’Or winner). The White Pele was in his prime around this time. The Brazilian legend won the Rio State Championship, Copa Libertadores, and Intecontinental Cup with Flamengo. Zico was the Copa Libertadores Top Scorer and was named Copa Libertadores Player of the Tournament.

1982 – PAOLO ROSSI (Paolo Rossi – Ballon D’Or winner). 1982 was a WC year and Rossi delivered for Italia when it mattered most (it wasn’t pretty but effective nonetheless). Dagoods cannot disagree with this selection.

Zico, despite the WC flop.

1983 - MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough choice. The FIFA Ballon D’Or Award could have gone to Maradona, Zico, or Platini. However,LE ROI led Juventus to the UCL finals and this gives him the edge. Platini won the Coppa Italia and was the Capocannoniere (SERIE A Top Scorer).

1984 – MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). LE ROI was still in his prime and his EURO 84 performance was his brightest moment! Achievements: Scudetto, European Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Capocannoniere, European Championship player of the tournament, European Championship top goalscorer and 1984 Euro Cup Winner.

1985 – MICHEL PLATINI (Michel Platini – Ballon D’Or winner). The French legend gets Dagoods vote again (Platini becomes the 4th player in history to win 3 FIFA BALLON D’ORS) and the second player in history to win it 3x in the row. Achievements: Artemio Franchi Trophy, 1985 European Cup Winner (UCL/Juventus), Intercontinental Cup Winner, Capocannoniere, European Cup/UCL top scorer, and Intercontinental Cup Man of the match.

1986 – DIEGO MARADONA (Igor Belanov – Ballon D’Or winner). Are you serious? Obviously EL DIEGO deserved to win the FIFA BALLON D’OR! This was a WC year and Maradona’s performance is one if not the greatest WC performance of them all. Acheivements: Argentine Football Writers' Footballer of the Year, Golden Ball for Best Player of the FIFA World Cup 1986, and 1986 FIFA WORLD CUP!

1987 – DIEGO MARADONA (Ruud Gullit – Ballon D’Or winner). Dagoods vote goes to Diego Maradona! This was a very close race. Onze D’Or declared Maradona the best player in the world. World Soccer Magazine named Ruud Gullit the best player in the world. Gullit won the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven and Maradona won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia with Napoli. Serie A was the toughest league in the world back then, therefore, Maradona gets Dagoods vote. This is El Diego’s 4th FIFA Ballon D’Or win (ties O Rei).

1988 – MARCO VAN BASTEN (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or winner). Marco “Goalo” Van Basten was very decisive for Holland in the 1988 Euro Cup. He scored a total of 5 goals to become the top scorer of the tournament and was also MVP of the tournament. Further Achievements: Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan. Honorable Mention: Ruud Gullit!

I would give it to Ruud. Helped Holland win too, and was a lot more of a factor with Milan than Van Basten.

1989 - MARCO VAN BASTEN (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or winner). The Swan of Utrecht continued to dominate. Achievements: UCL Top Scorer, UCL, Intercontinental Cup, and European Super Cup. Van Basten scored two goals in the UCL final and looked unstoppable.

1990 – LOTHAR MATTHAUS (Lothar Matthaus – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a WC year and Matthaus led Germany to a memorable triumph in the 1990 World Cup final over Argentina. The German legend had a very solid WC tournament.

 

1991 – JEAN – PIERRE PAPIN (Jean-Pierre Papin – Ballon D’Or winner / Lothar Matthaus FIFA Player of the Year winner). The French Legend had a superb season. He managed to win the following items: Premiere Division Francaise, UCL runner – up, Top French Division 1 Scorer, French Player of the Year, Onze D'Or and was named best player in the world by World Soccer Magazine. Matthaus won the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan. Honorable Mention: ROMARIO!

1992 – HRISTO STOICHKOV (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). Stoichkov won the Onze D'Or award and came in second place behind Van Basten in the Ballon D’Or, FIFA Player of the Year, and World Soccer Magazine Player of the Year standings. MVB won the Scudetto and Super Copa Italian in 1992 with Milan. The Bulgarian legend achieved the following: La liga, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and the UCL. Without a doubt, Stoichkov should have won the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award!

1993 – ROBERTO BAGGIO (Roberto Baggio – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). Il Codino Divino, a worthy winner! The Italian legend was without a doubt the best player in the world during this time. Achievements: 1993 UEFA CUP, scoring two goals in the final!

1994 – ROMARIO (Hristo Stoichkvo – Ballon D’Or winner / Romario FIFA Player of the Year). There can only be one! This was WC year of course and O BAIXHINO was the best player of the tournament (Golden Ball). Achievements: La Liga and Spanish Supercup.

1995 – GEORGE WEAH (George Weah – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). The Liberian Legend played for Paris Saint-Germain and won the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue in 1995. Individual achievements: Onze D’Or, UCL Top Scorer, and was named African Footballer of the Year.

1996 – RONALDO (Mathias Sammer – Ballon D’Or winner / Ronaldo FIFA Player of the Year). There could only be one winner. The FIFA BALLON D’OR Award should have gone to O FENOMENO. In the Ballon D’Or race, Sammed edged Ronaldo by one point (144 vs 143). In the FIFA Player of the Year Award Race R9 ended up in first place with 329 pts and Sammer came in 4th place with 109 pts. That is a total difference of 220 pts. R9 was also named player of the year by World Soccer Magazine. Sammer won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Super Cup with Borussia Dortmund. He was named German footballer of the year and captured the Euro Cup with Germany! R9 managed to win the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff-Schaal with PSV. The Brazilian legend also won a Bronze Medal with Brazil in 1996. This was a tough call but R9 was simply in his prime and out of this world. Copa Americas and Euro Cups are not as prestigious as a World Cup. R9 became the third youngest player to win this award (age 20) only Pele (17) and Maradona (19) won the award at an earlier age.

1997 – RONALDO (RONALDO – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). 47 goals in 49 games (Barcelona, 15 goals in 20 games (Brazil), the youngest ever to win back to back FIFA Player of the Year Awards. What else is there to say? R9 was head and shoulders above the rest. His 1997 season still remains in the hearts of many as one of the greatest performances by an athlete of all-time. Achievements: Copa Del Rey, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Copa de Espana, Don Balon Award, European Golden Boot, La Liga top scorer, Copa America winner, Copa America MVP, Cup Winners Cup Final MVP, Cup Winners Cup Top Scorer, FIFA Confederations Cup.

1998 – ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Zidane – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was a WC year and the hopes of an entire nation were placed on the shoulders of ZIZOU; the French Legend delivered at the end of the day! Zidane’s brace in the WC Final gave France its first ever WC! Achievements: Scudetto with Juventus, named French Player of the Year, and FIFA World Cup winner with France.

1999 – RIVALDO (Rivaldo – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was without a doubt Rivaldo’s greatest season as a footballer. He won La Liga with Barcelona in 1999, was named Spanish Player of the Year, Copa America winner with Brazil, and Copa America Top Scorer (tied with Ronaldo). A superb season by one of the greatest lefties of all-time.

2000 – ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Luis Figo – Ballon D’Or winner / Zidane FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was a close race. Zidane was voted FIFA Player of the Year and also won the Onze D’Or award (given to the best player of the year). The Portuguese Legend won the Ballon D’Or award and was named Footballer of the Year by World Soccer Magazine. Figo’s achievements: Portuguese Footballer of the Year. Whereas Zidane won the following cups/trophies: EURO CUP winner with France and Euro Player of the Tournament. Dagoods vote goes to ZIZOU!

2001 – RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO (Michael Owen – Ballon D’Or winner / Luis Figo FIFA Player of the Year winner). Talk about nonsense! Michael Owen came in second place (behind Zizou) in the Onze D’Or award. He was named best player in the world by World Soccer Magazine and won the Ballon D’Or by obtaining a total of 176 points. Owen’s (24 goals in 46 games) achievements: FA Cup, Football League Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Raul achieved (32 goals in 50 games) the following: La Liga, Super Copa de Espana, Pichichi Trophy, UCL Top Scorer, and was selected Best Spanish Player of the Year. Furthermore, RAUL (140 pts in the Ballon D’Or race) came in 3rd place in the FIFA Player of the Year race with a total of 96pts and Michael Owen came in 8th place with a total of 61 pts. Okay it’s time to do some math: Owen 176 (Ballon D’Or pts) + 61 (FIFA Player of the Year Award pts) = 237 PTS. Raul earned a total of 140 + 96 = 236 PTS. Again Owen edges Raul by one point. Owen came in 1st place and in 8th place >< Raul came in 2nd place and in 3rd place. My vote goes to RAUL, he was without a doubt the best Forward in the world.

2002 – RONALDO (Ronaldo – Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year winner). 2002 was a WC year and the world saw the return of O FENOMENO. In this tournament alone, R9 scored a total of 8 goals in 7 games. R9’s 2002 WC performance is considered by one of the greatest WC performances ever. He became S. America’s top WC scorer of all-time alongside Pele. No other footballer had scored more than 7 goals in a WC since 1974. Congratulations RONALDO on becoming a 3 time FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER!

2003 – PAVEL NEDVED (Nedved – Ballon D’Or winner / Zidane FIFA Player of the Year). Again there can only be one winner. ZIZOU’s achievements: La Liga, and the Super Copa de Espana. 1st Place finish (FIFA Player of the Year Award) with a total of 264 pts + 64 pts (Ballon D’Or/5th place Finish) = Total of 328 pts. Pavel Nedved’s achievements: Named Best Footballer of the Year by World Soccer Magazine, Scudetto, Super Coppa Italiana, Czech Republic Footballer of the Year, Golden ball (Award given by Czech Republic), Serie A Footballer of the Year, and Serie A Foreign of the Year. 1st place finish (Ballon D’Or) 190 pts + 158 pts (4th place finish/FIFA Player of the Year) = Total of 348 pts. And the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award should have gone to: PAVEL NEDVED!

2004 – RONALDINHO (Andriy Shevchenko Ballon D’Or winner / Ronaldinho FIFA Player of the Year). Again folks, there can only be one bloody winner. When you add up the numbers, you clearly see that this one wasn’t even close. Sheva achieved the following: Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, Serie A top scorer, Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States Footballer of the Year, Scudetto, and Super Coppa Italiana. Shevchenko came in 1st place (Ballon D’Or) with 175 votes + 253 votes (FIFA Player of the year award/3rd place) that gives him a total of = 428 votes. The Brazilian Legend achieved: Don Balon Award, EFE Trophy, was voted player of the year by World Soccer Magazine. Ronaldinho came in 3rd place in the Ballon D’Or voting with a total of 133 pts + 620 pts (FIFA Player of the Year/1st place finish) that gives him a total of = 753 pts. Greece won the Euro Cup in 2004, Sheva won more titles, but RONALDINHO was without a doubt the best player in the planet. And the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award goes to: RONALDINHO GAUCHO!

2005 – RONALDINHO (Ronaldinho Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). Dinho was in his prime and he was simply unstoppable. He is one of the main reasons why the Galactico Project failed miserably. He really gave us all a show and a damn good one!

2006 – FABIO CANNAVARO (Cannavaro Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). As we all know 2006 was a WC! Cannavaro is without a doubt the most limited footballer to have ever won such an award. However, Dagoods has to give him credit for what this man was able to achieve in the summer of 06. He truly became an impenetrable wall. This award could have gone to either Buffon or Pirlo as well but you cannot go wrong with Cannavaro, a worthy winner.

2007 – KAKA (Kaka Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). Kaka had a solid season but he truly stood out in the 2007 UCL. Achievements: UCL, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup (Intercontinental Cup), named Serie A Footballer of the Year, Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year, UCL Top Scorer, UCL, MVP of the Intercontinental Cup Final and UCL Footballer of the tournament.

2008 – CRISTIANO RONALDO (Cristiano Ronaldo – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). 42 goals in 49 games, Premier League, UCL, named Portuguese Footballer of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Barclays Player of the season, Premier League Golden Boot, UCL Top Scorer, UCL FW of the Year, Golden Shoe winner, and UCL Player of the tournament. Any further questions? C. Ronaldo had a sublime season!

2009 – LIONEL MESSI (Messi – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). La Pulga led Barcelona to an unprecedented 6 titles. He established himself as the best player in the game and rightfully so. Individual Achievements: La Liga player of the Year, La Liga FW of the Year, La Liga Foreign Player of the Year, UCL Player of the Year, UCL FW of the Year, UCL top scorer of the Year, Footballer of the Year of Argentina, and FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball.

2010 – ANDRES INIESTA (Messi – FIFA BALLON D’OR Winner). This was the first time this award was ever presented to a player. 2010 was a WC year and history tells us that the WC is the most prestigious award in football. Iniesta was a 3-time FIFA WC man of the match (during the WC) and scored the winning goal in the WC Final. Was Xavi more consistent than Iniesta in 2010? Yes he was. Was Messi the best player on earth? La Pulga was and still remains by far the best player on earth. However, Iniesta deserved to be the winner (followed by Xavi). Messi scored 47 goals in 53 games for Barcelona but only scored 2 goals in 10 games for Argentina in 2010. Honorable Mentions: Forlan and Sneidjer.

2011 – LIONEL MESSI (Messi - FIFA BALLON D'OR Winner). Messi led Barcelona to 5 league titles, one less than the 09 side, but the effects and how it was garnered will be in the annals of history. Guardiola finally transformed Messi into a full-time false 9. The end result: 53 goals in 55 games establishing a new Barcelona club record for most goals scored in one season, which was previously held by the Brazilian legend Ronaldo (47 goals in 49 games).

2012 – LIONEL MESSI (Messi - FIFA BALLON D'OR Winner). Is there room for improvement after scoring 53 goals in 55 games? If you're Lionel Messi, the obvious answer is oh heck yeah! The following year, La Pulga took the world by storm with his goalscoring feats, and thus cementing his legacy as one of the world's all-time greats. Messi helped Barcelona win yet another Copa Del Rey Cup in 2012. The Argentine Genius scored a total of 73 goals in 60 games at club level, he was equally impressive at the international stage - 12 goals in 9 games!

2013 – FRANK RIBERY (Cristiano Ronaldo - FIFA BALLON D'OR Winner). The French winger helped a superb Bayern Munich dominate the football world, amassing 5 club titles during the season. Ribery was named the Bundesliga Footballer of year & UEFA Footballer of the year in 2013.

2014 – THOMAS MULLER (Cristiano Ronaldo - FIFA BALLON D'OR Winner). The little Bomber scored another 5 World Cup goals and helped his National Team conquer the Americas. In addition, he also managed to help Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga & DFB Pokal. Muller scored a total of 26 goals in 51 games at club level and 10 goals in 15 games at international stage.

2015 – LIONEL MESSI (Messi - FIFA BALLON D'OR Winner). Messi regained his throne to be the best player in the world. La Pulga was head and shoulders above the rest. Messi took his game to new heights, adding superb playmaking and dead-ball skills to his arsenal. Barcelona made history by winning their second treble and managed to amass a total of 5 titles overall.

 

1991 – JEAN – PIERRE PAPIN (Jean-Pierre Papin – Ballon D’Or winner / Lothar Matthaus FIFA Player of the Year winner). The French Legend had a superb season. He managed to win the following items: Premiere Division Francaise, UCL runner – up, Top French Division 1 Scorer, French Player of the Year, Onze D'Or and was named best player in the world by World Soccer Magazine. Matthaus won the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan. Honorable Mention: ROMARIO!

1992 – HRISTO STOICHKOV (Marco Van Basten – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). Stoichkov won the Onze D'Or award and came in second place behind Van Basten in the Ballon D’Or, FIFA Player of the Year, and World Soccer Magazine Player of the Year standings. MVB won the Scudetto and Super Copa Italian in 1992 with Milan. The Bulgarian legend achieved the following: La liga, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and the UCL. Without a doubt, Stoichkov should have won the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award!

1993 – ROBERTO BAGGIO (Roberto Baggio – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). Il Codino Divino, a worthy winner! The Italian legend was without a doubt the best player in the world during this time. Achievements: 1993 UEFA CUP, scoring two goals in the final!

1994 – ROMARIO (Hristo Stoichkvo – Ballon D’Or winner / Romario FIFA Player of the Year). There can only be one! This was WC year of course and O BAIXHINO was the best player of the tournament (Golden Ball). Achievements: La Liga and Spanish Supercup.

1995 – GEORGE WEAH (George Weah – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). The Liberian Legend played for Paris Saint-Germain and won the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue in 1995. Individual achievements: Onze D’Or, UCL Top Scorer, and was named African Footballer of the Year.

Jari Litmanen for me. Won pretty much everything he played for with Ajax, shining bright in every competition.

1996 – RONALDO (Mathias Sammer – Ballon D’Or winner / Ronaldo FIFA Player of the Year). There could only be one winner. The FIFA BALLON D’OR Award should have gone to O FENOMENO. In the Ballon D’Or race, Sammed edged Ronaldo by one point (144 vs 143). In the FIFA Player of the Year Award Race R9 ended up in first place with 329 pts and Sammer came in 4th place with 109 pts. That is a total difference of 220 pts. R9 was also named player of the year by World Soccer Magazine. Sammer won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Super Cup with Borussia Dortmund. He was named German footballer of the year and captured the Euro Cup with Germany! R9 managed to win the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff-Schaal with PSV. The Brazilian legend also won a Bronze Medal with Brazil in 1996. This was a tough call but R9 was simply in his prime and out of this world. Copa Americas and Euro Cups are not as prestigious as a World Cup. R9 became the third youngest player to win this award (age 20) only Pele (17) and Maradona (19) won the award at an earlier age.

1997 – RONALDO (RONALDO – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). 47 goals in 49 games (Barcelona, 15 goals in 20 games (Brazil), the youngest ever to win back to back FIFA Player of the Year Awards. What else is there to say? R9 was head and shoulders above the rest. His 1997 season still remains in the hearts of many as one of the greatest performances by an athlete of all-time. Achievements: Copa Del Rey, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Copa de Espana, Don Balon Award, European Golden Boot, La Liga top scorer, Copa America winner, Copa America MVP, Cup Winners Cup Final MVP, Cup Winners Cup Top Scorer, FIFA Confederations Cup.

1998 – ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Zidane – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was a WC year and the hopes of an entire nation were placed on the shoulders of ZIZOU; the French Legend delivered at the end of the day! Zidane’s brace in the WC Final gave France its first ever WC! Achievements: Scudetto with Juventus, named French Player of the Year, and FIFA World Cup winner with France.

1999 – RIVALDO (Rivaldo – Ballon D’Or and FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was without a doubt Rivaldo’s greatest season as a footballer. He won La Liga with Barcelona in 1999, was named Spanish Player of the Year, Copa America winner with Brazil, and Copa America Top Scorer (tied with Ronaldo). A superb season by one of the greatest lefties of all-time.

2000 – ZINEDINE ZIDANE (Luis Figo – Ballon D’Or winner / Zidane FIFA Player of the Year winner). This was a close race. Zidane was voted FIFA Player of the Year and also won the Onze D’Or award (given to the best player of the year). The Portuguese Legend won the Ballon D’Or award and was named Footballer of the Year by World Soccer Magazine. Figo’s achievements: Portuguese Footballer of the Year. Whereas Zidane won the following cups/trophies: EURO CUP winner with France and Euro Player of the Tournament. Dagoods vote goes to ZIZOU!

2001 – RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO (Michael Owen – Ballon D’Or winner / Luis Figo FIFA Player of the Year winner). Talk about nonsense! Michael Owen came in second place (behind Zizou) in the Onze D’Or award. He was named best player in the world by World Soccer Magazine and won the Ballon D’Or by obtaining a total of 176 points. Owen’s (24 goals in 46 games) achievements: FA Cup, Football League Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Raul achieved (32 goals in 50 games) the following: La Liga, Super Copa de Espana, Pichichi Trophy, UCL Top Scorer, and was selected Best Spanish Player of the Year. Furthermore, RAUL (140 pts in the Ballon D’Or race) came in 3rd place in the FIFA Player of the Year race with a total of 96pts and Michael Owen came in 8th place with a total of 61 pts. Okay it’s time to do some math: Owen 176 (Ballon D’Or pts) + 61 (FIFA Player of the Year Award pts) = 237 PTS. Raul earned a total of 140 + 96 = 236 PTS. Again Owen edges Raul by one point. Owen came in 1st place and in 8th place >< Raul came in 2nd place and in 3rd place. My vote goes to RAUL, he was without a doubt the best Forward in the world.

2002 – RONALDO (Ronaldo – Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year winner). 2002 was a WC year and the world saw the return of O FENOMENO. In this tournament alone, R9 scored a total of 8 goals in 7 games. R9’s 2002 WC performance is considered by one of the greatest WC performances ever. He became S. America’s top WC scorer of all-time alongside Pele. No other footballer had scored more than 7 goals in a WC since 1974. Congratulations RONALDO on becoming a 3 time FIFA BALLON D’OR WINNER!

No doubt he had a tremendous WC and that that alone is a lot, but he had no club season practically. I would give it to Ballack perhaps, though he didnt win anything (but was runner-up in everything with Leverkusen and Germany). Not sure though, dont quite like Ballack...

2003 – PAVEL NEDVED (Nedved – Ballon D’Or winner / Zidane FIFA Player of the Year). Again there can only be one winner. ZIZOU’s achievements: La Liga, and the Super Copa de Espana. 1st Place finish (FIFA Player of the Year Award) with a total of 264 pts + 64 pts (Ballon D’Or/5th place Finish) = Total of 328 pts. Pavel Nedved’s achievements: Named Best Footballer of the Year by World Soccer Magazine, Scudetto, Super Coppa Italiana, Czech Republic Footballer of the Year, Golden ball (Award given by Czech Republic), Serie A Footballer of the Year, and Serie A Foreign of the Year. 1st place finish (Ballon D’Or) 190 pts + 158 pts (4th place finish/FIFA Player of the Year) = Total of 348 pts. And the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award should have gone to: PAVEL NEDVED!

2004 – RONALDINHO (Andriy Shevchenko Ballon D’Or winner / Ronaldinho FIFA Player of the Year). Again folks, there can only be one bloody winner. When you add up the numbers, you clearly see that this one wasn’t even close. Sheva achieved the following: Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, Serie A top scorer, Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States Footballer of the Year, Scudetto, and Super Coppa Italiana. Shevchenko came in 1st place (Ballon D’Or) with 175 votes + 253 votes (FIFA Player of the year award/3rd place) that gives him a total of = 428 votes. The Brazilian Legend achieved: Don Balon Award, EFE Trophy, was voted player of the year by World Soccer Magazine. Ronaldinho came in 3rd place in the Ballon D’Or voting with a total of 133 pts + 620 pts (FIFA Player of the Year/1st place finish) that gives him a total of = 753 pts. Greece won the Euro Cup in 2004, Sheva won more titles, but RONALDINHO was without a doubt the best player in the planet. And the FIFA BALLON D’OR Award goes to: RONALDINHO GAUCHO!

2005 – RONALDINHO (Ronaldinho Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). Dinho was in his prime and he was simply unstoppable. He is one of the main reasons why the Galactico Project failed miserably. He really gave us all a show and a damn good one!

2006 – FABIO CANNAVARO (Cannavaro Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). As we all know 2006 was a WC! Cannavaro is without a doubt the most limited footballer to have ever won such an award. However, Dagoods has to give him credit for what this man was able to achieve in the summer of 06. He truly became an impenetrable wall. This award could have gone to either Buffon or Pirlo as well but you cannot go wrong with Cannavaro, a worthy winner.

I never liked this. I would give it to Henry or Zidane, or someone else

2007 – KAKA (Kaka Ballon D’Or winner & FIFA Player of the Year). Kaka had a solid season but he truly stood out in the 2007 UCL. Achievements: UCL, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup (Intercontinental Cup), named Serie A Footballer of the Year, Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year, UCL Top Scorer, UCL, MVP of the Intercontinental Cup Final and UCL Footballer of the tournament.

2008 – CRISTIANO RONALDO (Cristiano Ronaldo – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). 42 goals in 49 games, Premier League, UCL, named Portuguese Footballer of the Year, FWA Footballer of the Year, Barclays Player of the season, Premier League Golden Boot, UCL Top Scorer, UCL FW of the Year, Golden Shoe winner, and UCL Player of the tournament. Any further questions? C. Ronaldo had a sublime season!

2009 – LIONEL MESSI (Messi – Ballon D’Or & FIFA Player of the Year winner). La Pulga led Barcelona to an unprecedented 6 titles. He established himself as the best player in the game and rightfully so. Individual Achievements: La Liga player of the Year, La Liga FW of the Year, La Liga Foreign Player of the Year, UCL Player of the Year, UCL FW of the Year, UCL top scorer of the Year, Footballer of the Year of Argentina, and FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball.

2010 – ANDRES INIESTA (Messi – FIFA BALLON D’OR Winner). This was the first time this award was ever presented to a player. 2010 was a WC year and history tells us that the WC is the most prestigious award in football. Iniesta was a 3-time FIFA WC man of the match (during the WC) and scored the winning goal in the WC Final. Was Xavi more consistent than Iniesta in 2010? Yes he was. Was Messi the best player on earth? La Pulga was and still remains by far the best player on earth. However, Iniesta deserved to be the winner (followed by Xavi). Messi scored 47 goals in 53 games for Barcelona but only scored 2 goals in 10 games for Argentina in 2010. Honorable Mentions: Forlan and Sneidjer.

2010 not to Xavi nor Iniesta.
Messi - the best
Sneijdar - the most accomplished

 

Ineista didn't win any award in 2010, didn't win any ball in WC 2010 and even didn't win Spanish Player of the year of Don Balon Award. It is impossible to beleive he is deserved to win.

Spain won WC 2010 base on teamwork, there is no player so outstanding.

Messi won phenomenon-class which is rarely find in the modern era football. He played well for Argentina in WC and we all know his role was a playmaker not forward.

A player from WC champion team to win FIFA player of the year has just been a tradiiton but this year's case is different from the past years and cannot apply to this case correctly.

In 1967, Johnstone didn't win even Scottish player of the year.

Anyway, Impressive thread .

 

Ineista didn't win any award in 2010, didn't win any ball in WC 2010 and even didn't win Spanish Player of the year of Don Balon Award. It is impossible to beleive he is deserved to win.

Spain won WC 2010 base on teamwork, there is no player so outstanding.

Messi won phenomenon-class which is rarely find in the modern era football. He played well for Argentina in WC and we all know his role was a playmaker not forward.

A player from WC champion team to win FIFA player of the year has just been a tradiiton but this year's case is different from the past years and cannot apply to this case correctly.

In 1967, Johnstone didn't win even Scottish player of the year.

Anyway, Impressive thread .

noted :thumbsup:

 

Bravo Dagoods. Finally you have started a thread worth being read. :thumbsup: I also agree with most of your points. :drunk:

 

Really unsure how you can claim Iniesta deserves to have won the Ballon D'Or just becuase Spain won the World Cup.

The Ballon D'Or is an award for an individual, Messi had an incredible season. Granted, Argentina had a poor WC but that wasn't down to him and shouldn't reflect on the final decision, especially after the domestic season Messi had.

 

1998 - either Ronaldo or Bergkamp. I like Zizou but the Ballon d'Or is an award for the whole season, not for one game (even if this game is a WC final).

2002 - Ballack or Roberto Carlos. Give Ronaldo the WC MVP award if you want but as stated above the ballon d'or is an award for the whole season...

2003 - Henry

2005 - Lampard maybe ? But OK, Ronaldinho is not a bad choice.

2006 - whoever you want except Cannavaro. Was he even the unquestionable best WC06 defender ? I don't think so. Thuram and Gallas were also monumental but no one would think to give them the Ballon d'Or... If you really want to give the award to an Italian then Buffon is your man.

2010 - Messi.
Iniesta ? See my first sentence about Zidane.

The rest of your rankings looks OK to me :kiss:

 

Great work, Dagoods!

 

roud:roud:roud:
Thanks mate!

 

I did a similar thread years ago. I also chose Maradona for 1979. But, today I'd change that (and several other selections I made). No way he wins over Zico, Falcão and Keegan. Winning the u-20 means little. And he could not win one professional title that year.

I'd stick with Albert in 1967.

In 1977, I'd go with Keegan or Simonsen, not Zico (although Zico was the better player).

In 1980, I'd go with Rummenige or Zico.

The rest is great (may disagree on 2 or 3 more)!! Again, Great worl!

 

And may you post your current list (with changes)?

 

BTW, I'd chose Xavi for 2010.

It's the same case of Pele and Maradona in the 60's and 80's. We know Messi is the best player in the world (just like Pele and Maradona was), but he did not have the best season, because of his average wc. If the award was only based on who's the best player in the world, Pele should have been 1st from 1958 to 1970.

 

Is not even remotely the same case...

Messi didn't have an average WC (neither had a great one) and had an extraordinary YEAR, not even just a season, is not like (wrongly) giving Messi the award the year Cristiano won it (and many already wanted to give it to Messi).

The only way we might see average Messi's WC is regarding the allways insane expectations regading himself, the comparisons with his coach and in a pure football terms in the WC: his fault in his lack of finishing and bad game agaisnt Germany.


Using the same paremeter:

Xavi was in his best version? was in his Eurocup one? was him the best spanish player in the Cup? or the fact that he won the WC in some way hides the real level he had in the Cup, just because he is "the soul of his team".

He played closer to what even Riquelme gave in 2006: being the focal point, being the master of puppets, playing from good to very good at times and even badly but clearly below his best club level and his own individual version.

If in the WC Xavi pulled out 6 assists a really great level, I won't even ask him a couple of goals and an slightly better club campaign, The award was clearly in his hand, but wasn't the case. He didn't have that sort of perfomance.

In fact if we go for the sentimental, for the "barca and Spain are xavi", ok lets compare him too with Maradona since he "was" Argentina and Napoli "soul".
Since we do it with Messi all the time, why not with him? let's put him in the same shoes, let's see how extraordinary his season was in comparison with Diego at club and NT level, people does it with Messi al the time, let's do it with him too...

Cruje no? no cuece del todo no? ya no es tan clarito, ya no es tan grande su nivel no? ya parece que es un poco mas dificil "la tarea" , ya hasta se ve un poquito mas "average" todo. Tal vez sea porque no se tiene que levantar todas las mañanas teniendo que ser Dieguito v2.0...

 

Zico was the best player in 83 by far

 

Nothing is written in stone. There are some editions that could have gone either way. Dagoods would like to reach a consensus; main goal here is to find a path or take steps toward an agreement. So if you believe there are any issues that need to revised, by all means please voice your opinion by making a comment.

 

2010? It was a WC year. Well, I'm not about to revamp the entire (a World Cup winner invariably wins the Ballon d'Or/FIFA Player of the Year) process just because FIFA finds the need to further promote their poster boy. I have nothing against La Pulga. In a way, I’m glad a S. American won it but not like this. Did you see his face? Look of disbelief on his face! I don’t blame Messi roud: of course. The Argentine was and still is the BEST PLAYER in the WORLD!

Look around, not everyone is pleased. Many people are criticizing this controversial/tainted outcome. Poor Messi is just a victim, though. BUT he understands what’s on the table here! I bet if CRUYFF roud: and DI STEFANO roud: had a chance to trade all those UCL titles they have for ONE WC TROPHY, they wouldn’t even think about it twice.

Messi roud: knows it. THIS IS WHY, he said it himself: “IF I WANT TO BECOME A LEGEND, I MUST WIN A WC”. Well he’s already a legend but a WC win will determine his ranking among the all-time greats.

 

2010? It was a WC year. Well, I'm not about to revamp the entire (a World Cup winner invariably wins the Ballon d'Or/FIFA Player of the Year) process just because FIFA finds the need to further promote their poster boy. I have nothing against La Pulga. In a way, I’m glad a S. American won it but not like this. Did you see his face? Look of disbelief on his face! I don’t blame Messi roud: of course. The Argentine was and still is the BEST PLAYER in the WORLD!

Look around, not everyone is pleased. Many people are criticizing this controversial/tainted outcome. Poor Messi is just a victim, though. BUT he understands what’s on the table here! I bet if CRUYFF roud: and DI STEFANO roud: had a chance to trade all those UCL titles they have for ONE WC TROPHY, they wouldn’t even think about it twice.

Messi roud: knows it. THIS IS WHY, he said it himself: “IF I WANT TO BECOME A LEGEND, I MUST WIN A WC”. Well he’s already a legend but a WC win will determine his ranking among the all-time greats.

Messi says that because he wants everything (let's remember how badly he wanted every youth title or the Olympic one as an example) and he knows that he can. Mainly because he aspires to not get a single objection against his career when he retires, specially in comparison with those like Maradona and cia. And anyway, this is a collective game, never will be entirely in his hands to achieve it, neither if we take in account injuries and quite a lot of other obstacles he might find in his way in the future.

declarations like the one you are using Dags, is sthg that even Xavi, Iniesta, Sjneider won't even try to say, because they already know that there are things individually that are out of their reach. No matter if they win 3 WCs.

So using Messi's ambition to minimize his achives, is insane.

Like I said before, if we play that game, let's imagine Sjneider, Xavi and Iniesta winning it this 2010 and later let's draw a comparison with Pele or Diego "way to do it".
We will witness the huge difference in the angle the achieves of an Iniesta are evaluated, in comparison with the angle from where Messi is evaluated.

In resume, what I'm against is the late apparently well thougth facts where Messi:
"did nothing" in 2010
"was unexistant" or "average" in the WC
"he is nothing without Xavi and Iniesta"
and on counterpart, apparently Iniesta and Xavi were god like in the WC and in their club season...boludeces NO...

To sum up with a detail that speaks loud but is most of times not even evaluated. I heard a lot that main argument against Iniesta in his 2010 club season was that he was injured a lot of time. That is not the proper angle; I will add sthg else: when he returned from his injuries, he had a time to get back in his best level, a period of recovery Messi won't have in his lifetime. The vampire really was bad from quite a time and needed his time to recover his best self. A luxury, messi won't have even in dreams.

Messi retunrs from any injury and he better be Messi next game, if not he is sucking. Messi still didn't gave to the press or fans, a more than deserved period of time where he really drops his level in a way we've seen Xavi, Sjneider or Iniesta already fell quite a lot of times in their carreers.

 

1997 I would give it to Edmundo

 

Messi says that because he wants everything (let's remember how badly he wanted every youth title or the Olympic one as an example) and he knows that he can. Mainly because he aspires to not get a single objection against his career when he retires, specially in comparison with those like Maradona and cia. And anyway, this is a collective game, never will be entirely in his hands to achieve it, neither if we take in account injuries and quite a lot of other obstacles he might find in his way in the future.

declarations like the one you are using Dags, is sthg that even Xavi, Iniesta, Sjneider won't even try to say, because they already know that there are things individually that are out of their reach. No matter if they win 3 WCs.

So using Messi's ambition to minimize his achives, is insane.

Fangio, my good friend! I applaud his healthy ambition. This man is a goal setter, which is a good thing. La Pulga knows that people will bust his chops if he fails to win a WC. I agree no one does it alone. The WC is the last piece of the puzzle, it will determine where his place in history. Will he be remembered as a club legend? Or a WC legend? Is he going to do it the Di Stefano & Cruyff way? Or will he be able to do it the Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldo way?

Is he going to be the next Zico? Superb amazing talent but failed to deliver at the International stage. Yes it is a collective game, I agree. However, there are great players and then there are legendary players. What makes Barcelona so great? Xavi, Iniesta, and others play their part. What makes them unstoppable? MESSI!

Xavi and Iniesta have continued to shine for their NT team and Messi has somewhat struggled. Yes Argentina is not as strong as Spain etc. La Albiceleste had a clown running the team etc. Come on now, so was Basile a clown too? Did he also failed to make Messi happy/comfortable as well? If I remember correctly, everyone was applauding Argentina for their “brand of attacking football” display in the tournament prior to the encounter with Germany. As a matter of fact, they were one of the favorites going into the knockout stages. However, they faced a competitive team and lost to a better team, it’s that simple.
Do I blame Messi? Did he show up? Was he average? Was he inexistent? Is he really nothing without Xavi and Iniesta?

He was neither average nor bad. La Pulga had a subpar tournament (below his standards). When the best player in the world doesn’t manage to score 1 goal there’s a problem. Yes I understand, lady luck wasn’t on his side. Fue de mayor a menor; such performance didn’t even merit him a place in the WC All-star team. You can blame Diego all you want but at the end of the day, MESSI is the one on pitch. In my humble opinion TEVEZ se echo el equipo al hombro and he’s not half as talented as la pulga. Was he tired from playing all those games with Barcelona? Argentina had a tough game against Brazil, he was well marked, but all it took was one moment of brilliance and cheer genius to win the game. And that is what La Pulga lacked, that moment of brilliance. Like I said, fue de mayor a menor.

Like I said before, if we play that game, let's imagine Sjneider, Xavi and Iniesta winning it this 2010 and later let's draw a comparison with Pele or Diego "way to do it".
We will witness the huge difference in the angle the achieves of an Iniesta are evaluated, in comparison with the angle from where Messi is evaluated.

In resume, what I'm against is the late apparently well thougth facts where Messi:
"did nothing" in 2010
"was unexistant" or "average" in the WC
"he is nothing without Xavi and Iniesta"
and on counterpart, apparently Iniesta and Xavi were god like in the WC and in their club season...boludeces NO...
To sum up with a detail that speaks loud but is most of times not even evaluated. I heard a lot that main argument against Iniesta in his 2010 club season was that he was injured a lot of time. That is not the proper angle; I will add sthg else: when he returned from his injuries, he had a time to get back in his best level, a period of recovery Messi won't have in his lifetime. The vampire really was bad from quite a time and needed his time to recover his best self. A luxury, messi won't have even in dreams.

Messi retunrs from any injury and he better be Messi next game, if not he is sucking. Messi still didn't gave to the press or fans, a more than deserved period of time where he really drops his level in a way we've seen Xavi, Sjneider or Iniesta already fell quite a lot of times in their carreers.

Sjneider, Xavi, and Iniesta have never been considered the next Pele or the next Maradona. Their performance, as good as it was could never be comparable (at least you wouldn’t expect it to be). They were solid for the most part of the season and they remained solid throughout June and July. Messi was brilliant, but 2010 was a WC year. Had it been 2011 or 2009 and had Barcelona not one any titles I would still have given the award to Messi. Just like I did give the award to DINHO in 04 despite not winning any club titles (the same goes to Maradona in 1980).

 

Fangio, my good friend! I applaud his healthy ambition. This man is a goal setter, which is a good thing. La Pulga knows that people will bust his chops if he fails to win a WC. I agree no one does it alone. The WC is the last piece of the puzzle, it will determine where his place in history. Will he be remembered as a club legend? Or a WC legend? Is he going to do it the Di Stefano & Cruyff way? Or will he be able to do it the Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldo way?

Is he going to be the next Zico? Superb amazing talent but failed to deliver at the International stage. Yes it is a collective game, I agree. However, there are great players and then there are legendary players. What makes Barcelona so great? Xavi, Iniesta, and others play their part. What makes them unstoppable? MESSI!

Xavi and Iniesta have continued to shine for their NT team and Messi has somewhat struggled. Yes Argentina is not as strong as Spain etc. La Albiceleste had a clown running the team etc. Come on now, so was Basile a clown too? Did he also failed to make Messi happy/comfortable as well? If I remember correctly, everyone was applauding Argentina for their “brand of attacking football” display in the tournament prior to the encounter with Germany. As a matter of fact, they were one of the favorites going into the knockout stages. However, they faced a competitive team and lost to a better team, it’s that simple.
Do I blame Messi? Did he show up? Was he average? Was he inexistent? Is he really nothing without Xavi and Iniesta?

He was neither average nor bad. La Pulga had a subpar tournament (below his standards). When the best player in the world doesn’t manage to score 1 goal there’s a problem. Yes I understand, lady luck wasn’t on his side. Fue de mayor a menor; such performance didn’t even merit him a place in the WC All-star team. You can blame Diego all you want but at the end of the day, MESSI is the one on pitch. In my humble opinion TEVEZ se echo el equipo al hombro and he’s not half as talented as la pulga. Was he tired from playing all those games with Barcelona? Argentina had a tough game against Brazil, he was well marked, but all it took was one moment of brilliance and cheer genius to win the game. And that is what La Pulga lacked, that moment of brilliance. Like I said, fue de mayor a menor.



Sjneider, Xavi, and Iniesta have never been considered the next Pele or the next Maradona. Their performance, as good as it was could never be comparable (at least you wouldn’t expect it to be). They were solid for the most part of the season and they remained solid throughout June and July. Messi was brilliant, but 2010 was a WC year. Had it been 2011 or 2009 and had Barcelona not one any titles I would still have given the award to Messi. Just like I did give the award to DINHO in 04 despite not winning any club titles (the same goes to Maradona in 1980).

I will resume in this: It doesn't matter if he can do greater things, in 2010 thinking he didn't deserve it, is insane. or better said, thinking he was not among the ones that clearly deserve it is stupid. And we cannot give a prize for a season in a certain year analysing certain players perfomances in comparison with their nowadays peers and Messi being analyse with the all time legends.
And what is more absurd, his season ranks among the all time legends ones.
Some want the dutch? so be it
Some wanted xavi? so be it
We can agree or not, but no travesty there. Same if messi won it like he did.

I do not think Iniesta was up there in 2010. I think Robben, Cristiano, Milito (there is perhaps the only travesty in this year nomination, not being at least nominated is absurd, thought I wouldn't give it to him either) and a large etc of great seasons by many players...but to think is a travesty, absurd, undeserve for Messi to win it...come on (BTW i'm not talking of your opinion Da, I'm talking in general).

I don't even know if La pulga will be able to mantein this insane consistency, we don't know if barca will face times like before where there was not such a cohesive work even wth the same names.

He might die tomorrow for all what we know and al those theories of "nah, he is the best, but let's recognize this fella because he is older he will win it again", would go directly to the toilet.

 

Nice thread. Can agree with most of it.

 

just for good measure

Savicevic v Sweden [1991]

uyfpFYPFB5A

 

Savicevic was a vastly superior player to Papin and so was Prosinecki at that point before his injuries at Real.

 

Savicevic had superior skills but well... it's not too hard since Papin hardly could dribble or pass the ball. But who cares since JPP was -by a margin- the best goalscorer in Europe ?

 

It's a close race, indeed!

ANY one else have something to say?

 

1. My point exactly. The man didn't win a WC or Euro Cup so what did he do that was so extraordinary? Did he score 40+ goals in a season? Did he win a treble with his team? NOPE! So what did he do that was so bloody impressive? Oh yes, Stan the Man pulled off some nice dribbles and some nice crosses! WOW, that’s really breathtaking! Somebody please PINCH me !


2. Yes, I was privy to that information already. I prefer to call it UCL, thank you! Apparently, you are right! Winning UCLs/European Cups had no or little value. It seems to MOI that Matthews, "only won the Ballon d'Or for his excellence over his entire career up to that point". In other words, this was nothing more than a THANK YOU GIFT! If that’s the case, then MALDINI should have won the Ballon D’Or in 2003, no?

 

1. My point exactly. The man didn't win a WC or Euro Cup so what did he do that was so extraordinary?

[Again, this was already shown & links to the info have been posted. You're not bothering to actually READ the information or asking me about what it means in a more modern context. So I'm not going to bother to repeat it: you didn't "win", mate because I haven't been trying to convince you of ANYTHING during this entire discussion.]



Did he score 40+ goals in a season?

[It wasn't his job as a right-winger any more than it was Alan Ball's, Bryan Douglas', or any other player in the position IMO. Please read up on the role of a R-W in both the "pyramid" form. & the W-M, since those were the systems that Matthews played ACTUAL FOOTBALL in during the vast majority of his career. Wherever you would choose to line Matthews up in your PES Soccer computer game or your fave management sim is up to you, mate. :smileani:]


Did he win a treble with his team? NOPE! So what did he do that was so bloody impressive? Oh yes, Stan the Man pulled off some nice dribbles and some nice crosses! WOW, that’s really breathtaking! Somebody please PINCH me !

[Once again, you're not even bothering to learn the FACTS & the HISTORY of "Sir Stan's" career. So enjoy your top-flight "football" on Dagoods' Fantasy Planet: I'll be back here watching the game in the REAL WORLD, thank you.

"Welcome to Fantasy Planet, where all of Dagoods' football dreams can come true..." :smileani:]


2. Yes, I was privy to that information already. I prefer to call it UCL, thank you!

[So now you're making up club tournaments that you can win on Fantasy Planet as well? :rollani:]


Apparently, you are right! Winning UCLs/European Cups had no or little value. It seems to MOI that Matthews, "only won the Ballon d'Or for his excellence over his entire career up to that point". In other words, this was nothing more than a THANK YOU GIFT!

[AAANNNHHH!!! "Thank you for playing, Dagoods & you'll be leaving w/a a copy of our home game & a year's supply of Rice-A-Roni-" :smileani:]


If that’s the case, then MALDINI should have won the Ballon D’Or in 2003, no?

[How does what Maldini did or didn't win in '03 have anything to do w/Matthews getting the '56 Ballon d'Or since there were different VOTERS during the balloting for each award, mate?]

 

Dagoods has got a point. Apart from running around Nilton Santos and going on "This Is Your Life", what did Stan Matthews do in 1956? Where did he come in the English Player of the Year vote? The first France Footall award was about publicity for the award itself, recognition of services rendered during a long career and acknowledgement that England was the home of the game. Objectively, di Stefano was the best player of 1956.

 

Dagoods has got a point.

[Certainly, if yk practically nothing about the actual game @ both the professional & the international level in the '50s, sure. :smileani:]

Apart from running around Nilton Santos and going on "This Is Your Life", what did Stan Matthews do in 1956?

[Sigh, do I really need to re-post those links to the England match reports of the immediate era? Read up on what Matthews & England were up to around that time & you'll get what I'm talking about, mate.]

Where did he come in the English Player of the Year vote?

[Sigh yet again: the '55-'56 FWA PotY award was won by Bert Trautmann of Man. City. But the FWA award was for the '55-'56 league SEASON while the '56 Ballon d'Or was for the '56 CALENDAR YEAR, so they were actually two different awards COMPLETELY. It was also pretty well known that Matthews was going to win the Ballon d'Or @ the end of the year in '56, so the FWA voters decided to hand Trauttman the FWA award as a "consolation prize". Matthews also largely won the '56 Ballon d'Or on the strength of his excellence at INTERNATIONAL level while the FWA award was mostly given out on the basis of a player's PROFESSIONAL level performances back in those days.]

The first France Footall award was about publicity for the award itself, recognition of services rendered during a long career and acknowledgement that England was the home of the game.

[So, how does all of this plus "Sir Stan" having a great year @ international level w/England mean that it should count AGAINST him w/the '56 Ballon d'Or voters?]


Objectively, di Stefano was the best player of 1956.

[Except @ the international level which was still regarded as the higher standard of play, even back then IMO. Besides, AdS would go on to win his share of Ballon d'Or "gongs" & I've never heard of him complaining about the '56 EpotY balloting.]

 

What were England up to in 1956? They had friendlies and the Home Internationals and a few good results, but nothing that shook up the world. Now how exactly does this trump the exploits of the likes of di Stefano and Kopa in a stunning European Cup tournament? By the way, di Stefano hadn't qualified for Spain yet, but what happens to your argument if Kopa was better that year for France than Matthews was for England? Just asking. Context? - England and Matthews had a renaissance of sorts, but the hopes were with Edwards and co because in the league youth was having its fling (Busby Babes) and John Charles was the best player by a street. In that sense, Matthews was almost yesterday's papers and the award must have been a nice surpise. Di Stefano should have been the recipient.

 

What were England up to in 1956? They had friendlies and the Home Internationals and a few good results, but nothing that shook up the world.

[How about hammering the defending WC-winning W. German side 3-1 in Dec. of '54 w/Matthews shredding their defence (Now you might say that this was @ the tail end of '54, but it was still going to stick around in the Ballon d'Or's voters' minds for '56 IMO. Then England defeated W. Germany again by the same scoreline in Berlin in May of '56. Remember that the 4-2 defeat of Brazil of w/Matthews "skinning" Nilton Santos also took place in May of '56 as well. Now, once again, here are the lineups & match reports to the England games in that era, so please take the time to actually read them:

http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/SumsGiller1950-55.html

http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/SumsGiller1955-60.html

More on this below-]

Now how exactly does this trump the exploits of the likes of di Stefano and Kopa in a stunning European Cup tournament?

[Do you really know that much about the competitive level of the '55-'56 European Cup (it was the very first tournament)? Do you really want to compare Real hammering a SWISS club side 7-0 to Matthews inspiring England to victory over one of the favourites to win the '58 WC (Brazil) 4-2 in a victory that could have easily been 6-2 or 7-1?]


By the way, di Stefano hadn't qualified for Spain yet, but what happens to your argument if Kopa was better that year for France than Matthews was for England?

[How does AdS v. Matthews get turned into Kopa v. Matthews? As I said before, do you want to do the Yank lad from the "Goal" series of films v. Matthews as well? :smileani:]

Just asking. Context? - England and Matthews had a renaissance of sorts,

["Of sorts", you say? England went from the humiliating defeats to Hungary home & away in '53 & '54 to the results that I mentioned & posted links to before & were widely considered favourites for the upcoming '58 WC Finals in the space of about two seasons.]

but the hopes were with Edwards and co

[The England team was getting highly rated in the football world & in the press, but the hopes didn't really start up w/Edwards & Co. until mid-'57 in to early-'58. In fact, England's 1-3 win in Berlin of May of '56 was what announced Edwards as a key player for England, as the report for Match No.80 points out on those links that I posted.]

because in the league youth was having its fling (Busby Babes) and John Charles was the best player by a street.

[Except for the part where Leeds Utd, were tearing up the 2nd Div. in the '55-'56 season:

http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/seasons/195556.htm

The author even mentions "Sir Stan's" England performances as his 1st non-Leeds related highlight of the season @ the bottom of the page.]

In that sense, Matthews was almost yesterday's papers and the award must have been a nice surpise.

[HA!! That's a good one, mate! :smileani: Read those Norman Giller England match reports & you'll get an idea of how Matthews was ACTUALLY viewed in contemporary football culture.]

Di Stefano should have been the recipient.

[According to YOUR criteria ONLY: unfortunately a whole load of other people voted for Matthews instead. :smileani:]

 

JOHAN CRUYFF[/B] (Franz Beckenbauer – Ballon D’Or winner). This was a tough one alright. Der Kaiser won the Bundesliga with Bayern and won the Euro Cup with Germany. However, Johan Cruyff was the European Cup Top Scorer, European Super Cup Top Scorer, Netherlands League Top Scorer, and he won with Ajax, the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, UCL, Intercontinental Cup, and the first ever UEFA Super Cup. Johan Cruyff was in his prime and should have won the FIFA BALLON D’OR in 1972, IDHO!
.

4 players with a great season ..however cruiff was 4th ranked....

1.beckenbauer 81 points
2.müller 79 points
3.netzer 79 points
4.cruyff 73 points

in my opinion müller was the best, close followed from netzer and third beckenbauer.... müller and netzer had a fantastic year and i think both was slightly better than beckenbauer......

the german bundesleaque was a stronger leaque than the dutch leaque.so winning the bundesleaque was tougher ...

the uefa supercup was played in year 1973 and not 1972 you suggest for cruyff.....
season 1971/72 mülller has scored in 57 competive games 64 goals..

calender year 1972 ,gerd müller has scored in 59 competive games 85 goals and had a career high in assists bundesleaque games...

on bigsoccer you pointed out ..1 wc=3ucl

so using your criteria how much worth is a eurochampionship?? cruyff never won a eurochampionship...(1972 allready eliminated and 1976 semifinal defeat against cssr)

 

@ RoyOfTheRovers

John Charles may have been in the second division with Leeds, but he was recognised rightly as the best player in the British Isles. You seem to like links to newspapers and commentary of the time - well, out ther somewhere, there's a Charles Buchan's Football Monthly from late 1956, which describes over a few pages why John Charles was "Star of the Season".

In 1956 England played, among others, Brasil (nobody's favourites for the World Cup at that time), West Germany (when Edwards the star), Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Yugoslavia and the usual British teams. I don't see why that motley collection is more significant than the fixtures Real Madrid played to win the European Cup?

Matthews won because the stellar name was needed to establish the Award.

 

@ RoyOfTheRovers

John Charles may have been in the second division with Leeds, but he was recognised rightly as the best player in the British Isles. You seem to like links to newspapers and commentary of the time - well, out ther somewhere, there's a Charles Buchan's Football Monthly from late 1956, which describes over a few pages why John Charles was "Star of the Season".

[I didn't say that Charles wasn't a great player: I pointed out that Charles was playing in the 2nd Div. because it would've made it unlikely for him to get votes for the '55-'56 PotY award. Isn't that why you brought him into the conversation? Isn't this thread about who won individual awards, who didn't & why?]

In 1956

[The Ballon d'Or voters weren't strictly required to ONLY focus on the '56 calendar year, as the early polling & results clearly show. You can wish that the '56 EpotY award was handed out under modern stipulations, but it wasn't.]

England played, among others, Brasil (nobody's favourites for the World Cup at that time),

[Yes they were, especially for an international side coming out of South America.]


West Germany (when Edwards the star)

[Yes, but Matthews was the star of the side in '54 @ Wembley, which, as I've pointed out, would still be in the voters' minds. & W. Germany were still the defending WORLD CHAMPIONS in both matches & England didn't just beat W. Germany: they DESTROYED them.

&, AGAIN, if Matthews & his England performances weren't known & a part of the fabric of the game in that era, then WHY did the author of that piece on the Leeds '55-'56 season make Matthews & the England side his FIRST note on what was going on in the game outside of Elland Road FIFTY+ years after the fact?]


, Finland, Denmark, Sweden,

[Which was also considered a quality national side @ the time which was later proven when George Raynor led them to the '58 WC Final against BRAZIL, who England had DECISIVELY defeated two years earlier.]


Yugoslavia

[Also considered a competitive side by the European NT standards of the day.]

and the usual British teams.

[It's funny how you talk John Charles up & now you seem to be writing-off his very solid Wales side, who also did well in the '58 WC, as a "usual" British team. :smileani:]

I don't see why that motley collection is more significant than the fixtures Real Madrid played to win the European Cup?

[All right, since you asked for it:

http://www.football-history.net/european-cup/1955-1956.htm

Again, the '55-56 European Cup was the FIRST time that the tournament was ever held. Many top clubs didn't even bother to enter the tournament (such as 1st Div. qualifier Chelsea) because they didn't even know if the EC was going to make it past the first go.

So, let's look at who Real really triumphed over in their march to glory: In the 1st Rd., Real faced that powerhouse of European club competition, SERVETTE FC of Switzerland and BARELY squeaked past them 7-0 on aggregate score. Next up, it's the MIGHTY Partizan Belgrade (whose NT of the time you also just down-graded as a challenge for England)...but I think that you get the picture from here.

Matthews won because the stellar name

[When did I ever deny that this was a FACTOR in Matthews winning the Ballon d'Or?]


was needed to establish the Award.

[& you don't think that di Stefano's "stellar name" was a factor in him picking up the same award in '57 & '59? It was the early days of the award & comparisons can cut both ways, mate. :smileani:

The other factor that you haven't mentioned or simply dodged away from is that while AdS was thirty years old & at or near the athletic peak of his career in '56; Stan was still a great player & a key man for his national team at the age of FORTY-ONE. The fact that Matthews was performing so well for both club & country at his age, & after having SEVEN seasons carved off of his official career, undoubtedly had some impact on the Ballon d'Or voters IMO. The Ballon d'Or voters also more than likely (& correctly) felt that di Stefano still had time to win the award while time was running out on Matthews.

By way of comparison, at the age of forty-one AdS was retired from the game after spending two seasons w/Espanyol. I respect the man to no end, but di Stefano was nowhere NEAR showing up in the Ballon d'Or balloting at the age of forty-one, while Matthews WON the award @ that age.]