When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo began their Ballon d’Or dominance in 2008, few could have predicted they would go on to win 12 of the next 13 awards. While their brilliance deservedly earned them these accolades, their era also overshadowed many other exceptional players who, in any other period, would have lifted the coveted golden trophy.
Let’s look at these unsung stars, the years they might have won, and why they fell short despite their brilliance.
2010: Andrés Iniesta and Wesley Sneijder
Why Iniesta Could Have Won: Iniesta scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, capping off an outstanding tournament where he was named Man of the Match in four different games. For Barcelona, he completed 91.1% of his passes in La Liga that season and played a vital role in their league title. His ability to control the rhythm of matches with elegance and intelligence made him the soul of both club and country.
Why Sneijder Could Have Won: Sneijder was arguably the most influential player of 2010. He led Inter Milan to a historic treble, scoring 8 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions. In the Champions League, he was decisive in knockout rounds against Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, and Barcelona. At the World Cup, he was joint top scorer with 5 goals, helping the Netherlands reach the final. Many felt he was unjustly left out of the final Ballon d’Or top three.
Why Messi Won Instead: Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions in 2009-10. While he didn’t shine at the World Cup, his club form for Barcelona was extraordinary. However, critics argue the award that year underweighted international tournaments.
2013: Franck Ribéry
Why Ribéry Could Have Won: Ribéry was the creative engine of Bayern Munich’s treble-winning side, scoring 11 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions. He was named UEFA Best Player in Europe for the 2012-13 season. His tireless work rate, flair on the wing, and clutch performances in big games made him a nightmare for defenders. He delivered two assists in the Champions League semifinal thrashing of Barcelona and played a vital role in the final against Dortmund.
Why Ronaldo Won Instead: Ronaldo scored 69 goals in the calendar year and helped Portugal qualify for the World Cup with a dramatic playoff hat-trick against Sweden. His stats were staggering, but Bayern’s historic treble and Ribéry’s integral role made many feel he deserved the Ballon d’Or. FIFA’s controversial extension of the voting period also allowed voters to include Ronaldo’s playoff heroics.
2014: Manuel Neuer
Why Neuer Could Have Won: Neuer was instrumental in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. He made 25 saves in the tournament, including a Man of the Match performance against Algeria in the round of 16. He completed more passes (244) than many midfielders and revolutionized the goalkeeper role by acting as an auxiliary centre-back. For Bayern Munich, he kept 20 clean sheets in the Bundesliga and conceded just 23 goals in 34 games.
Why Ronaldo Won Instead: Ronaldo scored 61 goals and won the Champions League and Copa del Rey with Real Madrid. He was the top scorer in the Champions League with 17 goals, a record at the time. Although his World Cup campaign with Portugal was underwhelming, his club performances carried him over the line.
2015: Neymar
Why Neymar Could Have Won: Neymar scored 39 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions for Barcelona in 2014-15. He was the top scorer in the Champions League alongside Messi and Ronaldo (10 goals) and scored in both the semifinal and final. Neymar also scored in the Copa del Rey final and was directly involved in 7 goals in the last 3 Champions League knockout matches. He was arguably Barcelona’s most consistent performer in the second half of the season.
Why Messi Won Instead: Messi had an astonishing 58 goals and 27 assists in 2014-15. He was directly involved in one of the greatest team goals of all time against Bayern and delivered magical performances week in, week out. While Neymar shone, Messi’s influence and legacy continued to command the spotlight.
2016: Antoine Griezmann
Why Griezmann Could Have Won: Griezmann scored 32 goals and provided 7 assists in 2015-16. He was top scorer at Euro 2016 with 6 goals, leading France to the final and being named Player of the Tournament. For Atlético Madrid, he scored vital goals against Barcelona and Bayern in the Champions League, helping his team reach the final. He was a consistent threat and talisman throughout the season.
Why Ronaldo Won Instead: Ronaldo won both the Champions League and Euro 2016. Although he didn’t score in the UCL final and missed most of the Euro final due to injury, his overall contributions, including 51 goals in the calendar year, swayed the vote. Griezmann’s two final losses were tough to overlook.
2019: Virgil van Dijk
Why Van Dijk Could Have Won: Van Dijk led Liverpool to Champions League glory and a 97-point Premier League season where they lost just once. He was UEFA Player of the Year, completed the season without being dribbled past once in the league, and was a colossus in every sense. He scored key goals, provided leadership, and completely changed Liverpool’s defensive fortunes.
Why Messi Won Instead: Messi had 51 goals and 22 assists in 2018-19. He won La Liga and led Barcelona to the UCL semifinals. His hat-trick vs. Real Betis and free kick masterclasses were unforgettable. It was an extremely close race, with Messi edging Van Dijk by just 7 points.
2020: Robert Lewandowski
Why Lewandowski Could Have Won: Lewandowski was the undisputed best player in the world in 2020. He scored 55 goals in 47 games, was the top scorer in the Bundesliga (34), Champions League (15), and DFB-Pokal (6). Bayern Munich won the treble, and Lewandowski scored in every UCL game he played up to the final. He also created numerous chances and was a complete forward.
Why He Didn’t Win: The Ballon d’Or was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Many football fans and pundits agree this was a missed opportunity to reward one of the most dominant seasons in history.
If you’re as passionate about football as these players were about their craft, iLOTBET is your ultimate football destination. Sign up now and start your winning journey!
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
