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Report Card: Ballon d'Or Nominations | 
With the Ballon d’Or nominations finally releasing this weekend, the headlines have mostly been devoted to the fact that world champions Italy have no representation whatsoever. But why blame the press for paying excessive attention to an irrelevant detail? After all, the award itself is destined to be heading Lionel Messi’s way, which means very little is there to be talked about in terms of debating the winner, right?
Well, although I do concede that Messi is the most deserving candidate, let’s not forget that the race for the runner up spots is still very much open. Therefore, I decided to dive into the 30 nominations to briefly discuss their recent performances and rank them accordingly.
(30) Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich): I know this is a shocking start to the countdown, but Ribery couldn’t help Bayern to lift any silverware last season. Besides, his unsettlement over the summer resulted in more chaos at the Allianz Arena. As a result, I believe that Ribery deserves to be no higher than number 30.
(29) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): Like Ribery, Benzema was also part of a disappointing campaign with Lyon as the club finally relinquished its years of supremacy at the Ligue 1 summit. But with an impressive start to his career at the Bernabeu, Benzema looks bound for glory, unlike Ribery.
(28) Diego (Juventus): While Diego has only consolidated his bid for consideration with a sizzling start to his Juventus career, the main reason why he belongs in this prestigious list is the skill and character he displayed to help Werder Bremen to last season’s UEFA Cup final. Bremen’s lack of creativity, and hence the disappointing defeat, in the final showed how sorely the German outfit missed the suspended Diego.
(27) Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal): This Russian star has certainly paid off dividends after becoming Arsene Wenger’s only high profile signing in a long time. Not only is he the cornerstone of the Gunners’ attack, but he is also the man who can make the difference between a winning season and years of remaining trophyless. But until he makes that difference, he is only worthy of his current position in this list.
(26) David Villa (Valencia): This man literally carried Los Che on his shoulders last year. On the field, he was the only reason why the Spanish outfit qualified for the UEFA Cup while off the field, he always offered the heavily in-debt side the option to cash in on his high market value. Unsurprisingly, the club couldn’t get enough of a monetary offer for their invaluable star over the summer, which is why Villa remains the heart and soul of this club this season as well.
(25) Luis Fabiano (Sevilla): Fabiano revived a Sevilla side that was becoming indifferent. In addition, he led Brazil to glory in the Confederations Cup, which made him hot property across Europe.
(24) Iker Casillas (Real Madrid): Unlike Fabiano, Casillas couldn’t quite lead Spain to any glory in Confederations Cup. But his near-perfect displays during World Cup qualification have led the European Champions to the finals of the showpiece event with a perfect record. It remains to be seen whether he can make up for Real’s defensive shortcomings to bring some silverware to Los Blancos.
(23) Yaya Toure (FC Barcelona): Toure was an integral member of the Catalan giants’ supporting cast enroute to a stunning treble this past season.
(22) Kaka (Real Madrid): His presence alone guided Milan to UEFA Champions League qualification. Without him, the Rossoneri lack the quality that they desperately need to succeed this season. With him, Real Madrid can dream of reaching dizzying heights once again.
(21) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal FC): Although Fabregas was injured for a large chunk of last season, his performances were sublime whenever he managed to play for Arsenal. Despite the pressure of abruptly taking the captaincy of the side in extremely tough circumstances, the youngster rose to the challenge and has truly come into his own as a leader in the current season.
(20) Thierry Henry (FC Barcelona): Like Cesc, Henry certainly enjoyed being a leader at Arsenal. However, life at Barcelona was never easy at the beginning. But TH14 gradually adapted and went on to realize the dream that brought him to Camp Nou – winning a Champions League medal. It goes without saying, Henry was a critical factor in Pep Guardiola’s smashing success as a rookie manager.
(19) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (FC Barcelona): Ibra was more than the usual suspect in guiding Internazionale to yet another Serie A title. He was the man who propelled the Nerazzuri to domestic glory. However, he continued his failure to deliver on the continental stage, which is why he has joined Henry at FC Barcelona, where he has taken a flying start following his big money transfer.
(18) John Terry (Chelsea): JT ensured that his solid defensive displays brought Guus Hiddink at least a well deserved FA Cup title. But despite carrying his form to other competitions as well, Mr. Chelsea couldn’t lead the Blues in overcoming Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League.
(17) Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC): In most prestigious lists, Torres would be much closer to the top. But this one is extremely competitive and due to the Reds’ trophyless season, El Nino will have to be content with the 17th position as a just reward for some of his stunning goals.
(16) Ryan Giggs (Manchester United FC): Giggs may have won the PFA Player of the Year award, but that was clearly much more of a political decision to reward the aging star. Nevertheless, Giggs was an integral member of the United side that won the World Club Cup in addition to retaining the Premier League title last season.
(15) Julio Cesar (Internazionale): If Zlatan Ibrahimovic was Inter’s offensive lifeline last season, Cesar was the rock in their goal. The Brazilian has rapidly risen to prominence by demonstrating great goalkeeping instincts for the club on a weekly basis. Besides, a much better attitude has helped him quite a few places ahead of the temperamental Ibra.
(14) Didier Drogba (Chelsea): The Ivorian is arguably the best striker in the Premier League at the moment. But he went through his share of rough patches last season, which is why he has not ended up higher than this position in the countdown.
(13) Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid): Forlan is here at such a high rank in the countdown because he won the pichichi (La Liga’s leading goal scorer) in extremely competitive circumstances. Furthermore, his performances guided Atletico into the Champions League, which certainly merits quite a bit of recognition for the Uruguayan.
(12) Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United FC): Vidic continued to deliver in the back for the Red Devils barring a couple of shaky moments here and there. If he continues to progress at such a feverish pace, the sky is the limit for the Serbian international.
(11) Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux): The young French midfielder drove Bordeaux to Championship glory in a league where it was previously impossible to contest Lyon’s supremacy.
(10) Samuel Eto’o (FC Barcelona): Eto’o was certainly a handful for opposing teams en route to Barcelona’s treble success last season. But as the remainder of the rankings suggest, there were others who contributed even more!
(9) Edin Dzeko (VfL Wolfsburg): The Bosnian striker not only led his country to a play-off berth in World Cup qualification, but his sizzling performances up front enabled Wolfsburg to shockingly win the German Bundesliga in a thrilling finale last season.
(8) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC): Stevie G bravely led the way for the Merseysiders to finish second for the first time in years, but Rafa’s Reds fell short of Premier League glory once again.
(7) Frank Lampard (Chelsea): Lampard once again ends up right next to Gerrard. Lamps was as usual the talismanic playmaker for the Blues throughout last season, which guided them to automatic Champions League qualification as well as the FA Cup title.
(6) Maicon (Inter Milan): Becoming widely renowned as the best right back in the world is no easy feat. But Maicon made it look rather simple as he thrived in the role for both Internazionale and Brazil.
(5) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC): Rooney has become the franchise player for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, even when Ronnie was at Old Trafford, Wayne made sure to chip in with some priceless contributions as United went on to successfully defend its Premier League title while also making it to their second consecutive Champions League final.
(4) Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona): Just like he was the unsung hero in Spain’s European Cup success in 2008, Xavi kept holding Barca’s midfield together in the immensely successful last season.
(3) Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona): At the conclusion of last season’s extremely one-sided Champions League final, Wayne Rooney declared Iniesta as the best technical midfielder in the world. I won’t disagree with his judgment as this youngster is only going to grow as a player in the coming years.
(2) Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): Some said he was not at his best last season. If that is even remotely close to reality, then opponents shall surely fear the moment when the Portuguese sensations hits his peak. His Real Madrid career has taken a flying start and all signs indicate that he will surpass his huge achievements at Manchester United at some point in the future.
(1) Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona): Messi is clearly the best in the world at what he does at the moment. He might not have the size and the strength of Cristiano, but his amazing technical prowess more than makes up for that. It’s a surprise that he could not replicate his club success at the international stage during Argentina’s unimpressive World Cup qualification campaign. Still, it will be very difficult to see anyone surpass him in the race to the Ballon d’Or for 2009.
Of course, this ranking is only my judgment. The good news is, if you disagree with me, then there is a solid chance that you will get your wish since official rankings are rarely in agreement with mine. With that said, let’s await the final verdict.
Who should win it? Have your say below!
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BROTHERS LET LOOK AT FOOTBALL NOT NAMES THERE MANY BETTER PLAYERS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN MENTION HERE STILL THEY ARE IN EUROPEAN LEAGUE DOING WELL.SO EVERYBODY KNOW MESSI WILL WIN IT BUT I AM STILL SAYING IT WITH LOUD VOICE MESSI IS NOT THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.IF YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT MESSI IS NOT THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD MARK MY WORDS
for the moment i think messi deserve the credit b/c he is in top form.i would have said ronaldo still the best but injury has draw him back.ronaldo is world class football than messi 100% ronaldo can play in any position you put him with his free kick thunder shot and his style of dribbling.he can beat any defender in the whole world.remember when he did not injured is is the highest goal score.so football does not matter name or how fast the person is.for eg look at dimitar babertov of my united he is not a fast player but he is a world class footballer.he can hold ball for then mins. without loosing it.so for the moment messi deserve it for now.
i think that the last year messi is the best first and inesta second and samuel eto’o
1.messi
2.xavi
3.iniesta
4.ronaldo
xavi achieved more than iniesta..
xavi was player of the tournament at euro2008..and iniesta was out injured a lot last season..
Ronaldo shouldn’t be in the top 3. Messi and Xavi are 1-2. Vidic should be ahead of Ronaldo too. So should Eto’o. There, put Ronaldo at 5.
Last season Messi might have been the best, but he didn’t win anything, and the lack of silverware is what brought him the second place. C. Ronaldo brought home a league and champions league trophy. That being said, it’s clear that no one will surpass Messi this year (well deserved, too, after being 3rd and 2nd it’s time to be 1st)
This award would be way easier to decide if they gave it out in the summer after the season was over, instead of considering a players performance over 2 seasons…
Last year Messi was clearly the best, but Ronaldo has started off this new season better than anyone…
Messi in my opinion should have already been given this award after the Champions League Final….