The 4 Most Unforgettable Ballon d'Or Steals: Who Should Have Won?

Vinicius Jr (2024): The Star of Madrid Eclipsed by Rodri

In 2024, the whole world was shocked when the midfielder Manchester City, Rodribeat Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or. While Rodri shone in guiding City and Spain to titles, Vinicius left his mark on the global offensive scene. He notably scored a hat-trick in the final of the Spanish Super Cup and was decisive for Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League. Unfortunately, Vinicius' poor performance in the Copa America and the split votes between him and Jude Bellingham allowed Rodri to win, with Vinicius boycotting the ceremony.

Robert Lewandowski (2020 & 2021): A Ballon d’Or Stolen by the Pandemic

In 2020, Lewandowski was on top form, having scored 55 buts for Bayern Munich during their historic treble. However, the pandemic led to the ceremony being cancelled, depriving Lewandowski of a near-guaranteed Ballon d'Or. In 2021, he continued his momentum with 62 goals, but was narrowly edged out by Messi. The latter even publicly recognized that Lewandowski deserved the 2020 Ballon d'Or, which remains a regret for the Pole, who had to settle for the prize of “Best Scorer of the Year”, felt as insufficient consolation.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2018): The Ballon d’Or That Eludes Him

2018 saw Messi and Ronaldo's ten-year hold on the Ballon d'Or end, as Luka Modric won the trophy after guiding Croatia to the World Cup final and helping Real Madrid to another Champions League title. However, Ronaldo, author of 44 goals in 44 matches and 15 goals in the Champions League, seemed to deserve a sixth Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo remained silent, but his family did not hesitate to express their indignation, feeling this decision as an injustice towards the Portuguese.

Virgil van Dijk (2019): A World Class Defender Deprived of the Trophy

In 2019, Virgil van Dijk dominated in defense, helping Liverpool reach 97 points in the Premier League and win the Champions League. Although his impact was phenomenal, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or with just seven votes aheaddespite the elimination of Barcelona by Liverpool in the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp and many fans expressed their disappointment, believing that Van Dijk deserved to be the fourth defender in history to lift the Ballon d’Or.

These Ballon d'Or injustices are a reminder that individual performances, no matter how impressive, do not always guarantee supreme recognition.