For the first time in a long time, we can’t actually tell who will win this year’s Ballon D’or award- the most prestigious individual award ...
For the first time in a long time, we can’t actually tell who will win this year’s Ballon D’or award- the most prestigious individual award in world football.
The three forefront contenders- Franck Ribery, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo all seem to be in pole position in their distinct track to bag home the award. To be frank, nothing much separates these three men as all have had an outstanding year from a general point of view. However, if we evaluate using criteria from three differing schools of thought among of fans, each candidate would emerge exclusively as the winner in his own right.
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| Ribery was an integral part of Bayern's treble winning team |
For those who believe the award should go to the most consistent player from a winning team, Ribery is the rightful owner who was the most influential player all season long as his team FC Bayern cruised to a treble winning campaign (Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League) cannot boast of an awesome goal tally like that of Messi and Ronaldo but it’s no doubt that his trickery, pace and mazy dribbling have contributed immensely to Bayern’s success this year; not forgetting his consistency in form and the amount of assists (15 in 2013/2014) he’s raked in which is laudable when you consider the amount of playmakers the team is blessed with.
Another feather to his cap is the fact he has already won the UEFA European Player of the Year for 2013.
The second group cling to the belief that the award should go to a player who delivers consistently for both and country and whose goals are paramount to his team’s progress regardless of their current predicament, Cristiano Ronaldo is the man, stressing more that the award is an individual one and not a team affair, As often witnessed this season, Ronaldo’s goals have been a saving grace for both club and country especially in this current season.
Portugal owes a lot to him including its 2014 World Cup qualification in which he scored all 4 of the team’s goals in the playoff against Sweden to ensure a place at the finals.
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| Ronaldo scored all 4 goals as Portugal edged past Sweden to reach the World Cup |
He has come to their aid when they seem to run out of both ideas and firepower in front of goal. He’s also suggested he could be in the “best form of his life” after scoring 32 goals in 22 matches for club and country by mid- November including 5 hat-tricks.
The final class belong to the school of thought that believe that in football the most important team is to score goals that win matches and break records of old and raise the bar of human achievement higher.
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| Messi’s goal against Celta Vigo made him the 1st player to score against every la liga club |
For this group, Messi’s the main man. An added incentive is the fact that he provides assists and contributes to general play when the team is in need. He could well be the spearhead as well as a sacrificial lamb when the need arises. Ego dropping is a rare characteristic among football stars today when you consider the likes that have been shortlisted for this award from the on start.
Penultimately, Messi might have had an underwhelming 2013 when compared to previous years (which is down to niggling injuries which have blighted him since April) but you can’t still write off his impetus as a valuable player. The energy he adds to his side when he’s on field is astronomical. In last season’s quarterfinal game against PSG, Barcelona were down a goal. They looked out of sorts for the game.
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| Leo's introduction against PSG in last year's UCL produced one goal and an assist |
Messi, albeit sidelined on the bench with hamstring issues had to be unleashed in the 2nd half to help create a goal for Barca which allowed them to progress to the next stage on away goals rule. Their self-belief seemed to elevate as soon as he came on; such is the aura he generates. Even after Barca was humiliated 8-0 over two legs by FC Bayern in the semi-final, it became clearer that Messi’s absence was clearly felt. This is perhaps behind the rush to sign Neymar in order to have a plan B when he’s not available.
I am no longer a keen supporter of the Ballon d’or award because of the over emphasis it places on attackers and goal scorers, belittling the contribution of other positions that form the core of a team. But if you’d ask for my opinion without any sentiment, I’d give to you in this order:
Winner àC. Ronaldo
Runner -UpàRibery
3rdplaceàMessi
In my opinion, Ribery’s depending on medals and Ronaldo on current form. Messi’s falling back on his name and preceding accomplishments, and it will be total sacrilege by FIFA to hand him the plaque this year. His closest match so far, Ronaldo, surpassed him evidently this year ([Ronaldo] 68:45 [Messi)] on goals thus far for both club and country.
I believe a certain Luis Suarez/Zlatan Ibrahimovic is more deserving of the 3rd place spot. However, from FIFA signals and that of national team coaches, character is more important than pedigree. Sentiment is more worthy than truth.
Written by: Nnamdi Churchill Mbajekwe
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