Ronaldo and Franck Ribéry’s Ongoing Duel: The 2013 Controversy
During the period when Ronaldo and Messi were consistently neck-and-neck in the Ballon d’Or race, they consistently occupied the top two spots in the voting. This led to frustration among fans who believed that other players, like Franck Ribéry in 2013, deserved recognition. Ronaldo scored 66 goals that year but ended up without major trophies, while Ribéry excelled with Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League. Nonetheless, Ronaldo narrowly beat Ribéry in the Ballon d’Or race, a victory that many found unconvincing due to his lack of major titles.
Modric’s Surprise Win in 2018: A Shift in Power
Luka Modric’s Ballon d’Or win in 2018 took many by surprise. Despite Messi’s three domestic titles with Barcelona, he trailed behind Modric in the voting. Modric’s outstanding performance with Croatia in the World Cup, even though they ultimately lost to Griezmann’s France in the final, influenced the votes in his favor.
Messi’s 2019 Win: Champions League and Ongoing Debate
Over the past five years, Ballon d’Or winners have consistently lifted the Champions League trophy, including Messi (2015), Ronaldo (2014, 2016, 2017), and Modric (2018). Messi and Barcelona currently hold La Liga titles and are eyeing a historic treble. However, the toughest challenge lies in capturing the Champions League, with a daunting clash against Liverpool in the semi-finals. Even if Barcelona falls short in Europe, Messi’s chance to surpass Ronaldo in Ballon d’Or wins remains, as he will represent Argentina in the Copa America while Ronaldo’s international competitions are finished for the season.
Messi’s Controversial 2021 Win: Lewandowski and the Debate
The 2021 Ballon d’Or race stirred significant controversy, with Robert Lewandowski’s exceptional season competing for the award. Nevertheless, Messi’s triumphant Copa America campaign with the Argentine national team ultimately secured the prize, sparking debates and discussions about the legitimacy of his win.
The Ballon d’Or has consistently been a hotbed of debate and contention throughout its history. While Lionel Messi has clinched the title multiple times, each win has been accompanied by its share of controversies. Nevertheless, his enduring talent and profound impact on the footballing world continue to make him a well-recognized and respected figure, even as the debates persist.
