The Ballon d’Or Debate: A Question of Merit and Prestige

The Ballon d’Or, conceived by the visionary Gabriel Hanot and awarded by *France Football*, has long been regarded as one of football’s most prestigious honours. Since its inception in 1956, the award has evolved, expanding its eligibility criteria from European players to all players in European clubs in 1995, and eventually to global recognition in 2007. While its illustrious history and rigorous voting process—now involving journalists, national team coaches, and captains—have cemented its reputation, the 2019 award sparked controversy, casting a shadow on its credibility. 

A Legacy of Excellence 

The Ballon d’Or is more than just an accolade; it is a symbol of excellence, awarded to players who define footballing greatness in a given season. Over the decades, it has celebrated legends who have delivered when it mattered most—on both club and international stages. Yet, as with any award, its history is not without contention. The 2019 Ballon d’Or, awarded to Lionel Messi, reignited debates about fairness and the criteria for selecting the best player in the world. 

The Case Against Lionel Messi 

Lionel Messi, often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, undoubtedly possesses an unparalleled skill set. His ability to mesmerize with the ball at his feet and his knack for producing moments of magic are unmatched. However, the Ballon d’Or is awarded for a specific season’s performance, and Messi’s 2018–19 campaign fell short of the standards typically associated with this honour. 

Club Performance: A Season of Contradictions 

At the club level, Messi’s Barcelona won La Liga, but their season was marred by a catastrophic collapse in the UEFA Champions League. After a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory against Liverpool in the semifinals, Barcelona capitulated at Anfield, losing 4-0 in one of the most shocking comebacks in football history. Messi, despite his brilliance in the earlier stages, failed to inspire his team when it mattered most. 

Critics argue that Messi’s success in La Liga alone does not justify the award. The Champions League, widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, saw him falter under pressure. Since Neymar’s departure, Messi has struggled to replicate the European dominance Barcelona once enjoyed, raising questions about his ability to lead the team in the post-Xavi and Iniesta era. 

International Performance: A Familiar Struggle 

In the national colours of Argentina, Messi’s woes continued. The 2019 Copa América was another missed opportunity. Argentina’s campaign ended in disappointment, with Messi receiving a red card in the third-place play-off against Chile. His post-match comments blaming officials for Argentina’s failure did little to endear him to neutrals, especially given the country’s controversial footballing history. 

The Overlooked Contenders 

Virgil van Dijk: The Defensive Maestro 

Virgil van Dijk’s 2018–19 season was nothing short of extraordinary. The Dutch defender was the cornerstone of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League triumph, leading a backline that conceded just 22 goals in the Premier League. His unmatched defensive prowess saw him go an entire season without being dribbled past, a feat that underscored his dominance. 

Van Dijk’s contributions extended beyond defence; he provided crucial goals and assists, stepping up in key moments for both club and country. As the runner-up in the UEFA Nations League with the Netherlands, Van Dijk demonstrated his ability to shine on the international stage. Many argue that his all-encompassing impact deserved the Ballon d’Or, making him the most deserving defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. 

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Eternal Competitor 

Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s perennial rival, also had a compelling case. Leading Juventus to the Serie A title and Portugal to the inaugural UEFA Nations League crown, Ronaldo showcased his enduring ability to deliver at the highest level. His goal-scoring exploits, both domestically and internationally, surpassed Messi’s, with 49 goals in 2019 compared to Messi’s 45. 

Alisson Becker: The Guardian of Glory 

Alisson Becker’s role in Liverpool’s success cannot be overstated. As the winner of the Champions League, Copa América, and multiple individual awards for goalkeeping, Alisson was the backbone of every team he represented. Yet, like many goalkeepers before him, his contributions were undervalued in the Ballon d’Or voting—a recurring theme that has seen legends like Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas overlooked in the past. 

The Verdict 

The 2019 Ballon d’Or decision has divided the footballing world. While Messi’s brilliance is undeniable, his performances in the 2018–19 season did not align with the award’s criteria. The snub of Van Dijk, Ronaldo, and Alisson raises questions about the voting process and the weight given to individual versus team achievements. 

The Ballon d’Or’s prestige lies in its ability to honour the best performer of the year, but when the award appears to prioritize reputation over results, its credibility suffers. Football fans, especially neutrals, expect fairness and consistency. For many, the 2019 Ballon d’Or was a missed opportunity to celebrate the true standout performers of the season. 

In the end, the Ballon d’Or remains a symbol of excellence, but its legacy depends on the integrity of its decisions. As football evolves, so too must the criteria and transparency of its most coveted awards.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar