Biggest Ballon d'Or Robberies: Lewandowski, Ribery, & 7 Players Underrated

Overview of the Ballon d'Or

The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious annual football award that has recognized outstanding players since its inception in 1956. This award honors the best football talent globally, with past winners, including legends like Alfredo Di Stefano, Sir Bobby Charlton, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten, making it a coveted accolade in the sport.

Changes in Award Format

Until a format change in 2022, the Ballon d'Or was awarded based on players' performances over a calendar year, specifically from January to December. This timeframe allowed the judging panel to consider performances in major international tournaments.

Voting Process

The winner of the Ballon d'Or is determined by a jury comprising journalists from FIFA's top 100-ranked member nations. They compile a list of 30 candidates and vote on their top five, ranking them accordingly. This method aims to crown the most deserving player but has not been without controversy, with some notable snubs throughout the years.

Lionel Messi's Historic Eighth Win

In 2023, Lionel Messi achieved a remarkable milestone by winning his eighth Ballon d'Or. His performance leading Argentina to victory in the mid-season World Cup in Qatar was a significant factor in this honor. Following the recent changes, the voting criteria now consider achievements from the preceding season rather than the full calendar year.

Transition of Superstars

As Messi transitions to a new phase in his career, playing for Inter Miami in MLS, it signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the Ballon d'Or. After dominating alongside his rival Cristiano Ronaldo for over 15 years, neither player made it to the final shortlist for the 2024 award, indicating an inevitable change in the football landscape.

Messe's Legacy and Controversies

While Messi's record of eight Ballon d'Or wins is remarkable, it raises discussions about fairness in the voting process. Many believe that Messi's sheer talent warranted the award year after year from 2008 onwards, but various competitive contenders sometimes overshadowed him. France Football has faced criticism for their selections, particularly before and after Messi's rise in the football world.

Notable Snubs in Ballon d'Or History

Throughout its history, the Ballon d'Or has witnessed some shocking decisions that have left fans and analysts scrutizing the voting process. To explore this further, here are some of the seven most significant controversies regarding the Ballon d'Or:

• Case of [Year and Player] — Brief description of why it was controversial.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — A poignant example of perceived injustice.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — A surprising omission from the shortlist.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — How expectations led to disappointment.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — A rival's performance casting shadows.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — The interpretation of criteria and outcomes.
• Case of [Another Year and Player] — A reflection on football's changing tides.

Conclusion

The Ballon d'Or remains one of the most respected awards in football, representing excellence and achievement in the sport. As the award evolves, so too does the competition, with new players vying to leave their mark in history. The legacies of greats like Messi and Ronaldo will always be a part of Ballon d'Or discussions, but the future is ripe for fresh names and new excitement in football.