The Quest for the Golden Ball: Who Deserved it the Most?
For many great footballers over the years, the prestigious Golden Ball has remained elusive. Since the Ballon d’Or opened its doors to non-European players in 1995, the award has become the most coveted prize in the sport. A total of 17 players have clinched the Golden Ball since then, with some of the biggest names in football history making the list.
Legends of the Golden Ball
African icon George Weah, Brazilian superstars Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, as well as Argentine maestro Lionel Messi, have all tasted the ultimate success by winning the coveted Golden Ball. Messi, in particular, has dominated the award, securing a record-breaking eight wins over the last 16 years. Meanwhile, Portuguese goal machine Cristiano Ronaldo has brought the Golden Ball back to Europe five times, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Other notable winners include Mathias Sammer, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Michael Owen, Pavel Nedved, Andriy Shevchenko, Fabio Cannavaro, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Rodri, all of whom have left their mark on the football world by claiming the prestigious prize at least once.
The Top 10 Greatest Footballers to Never Win the Golden Ball
As we approach the announcement of the 2025 Golden Ball winner, GOAL has compiled a list of the top 10 greatest footballers who have never clinched the prestigious award. Topping the list is a player who scored an impressive 573 career goals and lifted 34 trophies during his illustrious career.
While these players may not have won the Golden Ball, they have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the sport with their talent, skill, and dedication to the game. Each player on the list has come close to winning the award at some point in their career, but for various reasons, the Golden Ball has remained out of their grasp.
Speculating the 2025 Winner
As fans eagerly await the announcement of the 2025 Golden Ball winner, speculation is rife about who will be crowned the best player of the year. With a pool of incredibly talented footballers vying for the prestigious award, the competition is expected to be fierce.
From young up-and-coming stars to seasoned veterans, the field is wide open for any player to stake their claim as the best in the world. As the football world holds its breath in anticipation, all eyes are on the Golden Ball ceremony, where the next player to etch their name in football history will be revealed.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and predictions as we countdown to the crowning of the 2025 Golden Ball winner.
Players Who Came Close to Winning the Golden Ball
While only a select few footballers have been able to secure the Golden Ball, there have been numerous players who have come agonizingly close to winning the prestigious award. Players like Thierry Henry, Neymar, and Franck Ribery have all been finalists for the Golden Ball but ultimately fell short of clinching the title.
Thierry Henry, the French striker known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, was a runner-up for the Golden Ball in 2003. Despite his incredible goal-scoring exploits for club and country, Henry was unable to surpass the eventual winner that year. Similarly, Neymar, the Brazilian sensation who has dazzled fans with his skill and flair, finished third in the Golden Ball voting in 2015, narrowly missing out on the top spot.
Another player who was on the cusp of Golden Ball glory was Franck Ribery, the French midfielder who played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning season in 2013. Ribery finished as the runner-up in the Golden Ball voting that year, showcasing his exceptional talent and influence on the pitch.
The Evolution of the Golden Ball Award
Since its inception in 1956, the Golden Ball award has undergone several transformations to become the prestigious accolade it is today. Initially known as the European Footballer of the Year award, the honor was rebranded as the Ballon d’Or in 2010 and opened up to players from all over the world.
The expansion of the award to include non-European players marked a significant shift in the footballing landscape, allowing talents from various continents to compete for the title of the world’s best player. This change brought greater diversity and representation to the Golden Ball award, reflecting the global nature of the sport.
Over the years, the Golden Ball has evolved to consider a player’s performance not just in Europe but also in international competitions, giving recognition to those who excel on the world stage. The criteria for selecting the winner have become more comprehensive, taking into account factors such as individual skill, team success, and overall impact on the sport.
Breaking Down the 2025 Contenders
As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the 2025 Golden Ball winner, the field of contenders is as competitive as ever. Players like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne are among the front-runners for the prestigious award, having delivered exceptional performances throughout the year.
Kylian Mbappe, the French prodigy known for his lightning speed and goal-scoring prowess, has been a standout performer for both Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. With his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly, Mbappe has garnered widespread praise and attention from fans and pundits alike.
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation who has taken the football world by storm with his remarkable goal-scoring record, is another strong contender for the Golden Ball. Haaland’s lethal finishing and physical presence on the pitch have made him a formidable force in front of goal, earning him accolades and recognition as one of the brightest talents in the sport.
Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian playmaker known for his vision, passing range, and creative flair, has been a key figure for Manchester City and the Belgian national team. De Bruyne’s ability to dictate play and unlock defenses with his precision and ingenuity has set him apart as one of the top midfielders in the world.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the 2025 Golden Ball winner continues, the football world is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. With a rich history of legendary players who have graced the sport, the Golden Ball remains a symbol of excellence and achievement in the world of football.
Whether it’s celebrating the past winners, recognizing the players who came close to winning, or analyzing the current contenders, the Golden Ball award continues to captivate fans and players alike. As the next chapter in the Golden Ball saga unfolds, all eyes are on the future stars and established icons who will etch their names in football history.
