My first attempt focused on Wayne Rooney's 'Transfer Request Saga' (he eventually signed a long term contract with Manchester United). This time I will be discussing the FIFA Ballon d'Or Awards, and more specifically, why I think Xavi deserved Lionel Messi's crown as the best footballer in the world, during 2010.
This year's ceremony marked a new beginning for the footballing world, as the FIFA World Footballer of the Year and Ballon d'Or amalgamated, to ensure one, universal decision on who the World's best player is. In the past, the two awards have largely gone to the same winner, however, on some occasions, this has not been the case.
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| Lionel Messi - Winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 |
The Ballon d'Or, or European Footballer of the Year, as it was otherwise known, was an award voted for by the game's top journalists from around the globe. The first winner was Stanley Matthews (Blackpool F.C.) in 1956. Originally, it could only be given to a European-born player, who played in Europe, however, it was decided in 1996 that a player of any nationality could win, providing they played in a European league.
The FIFA World Player of the Year could be won by any player, not taking into account their nationality or the country in which they played, and was voted for by the captains and coaches of every FIFA-recognised international team.
Enough of the history lesson. Last night, Lionel Messi was voted 2010's best footballer. Before I argue why the award should have been given to someone else, I would just like to say that I am a massive fan of Messi. I will even go as far as to say that, if the Ballon d'Or's voting panel take into account only the technical ability of a player, he fully deserves it. But the problem is, they're not supposed to.
The criteria which the voters are supposed to follow are:
- Performances in major competitions (Champions League, World Cup, etc.)
- Individual and team honours
- Individual talent, skill and fair play
- Overall career
- Personality and charisma
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| Xavi and his Spanish team mates after winning the 2010 World Cup |
Taking into account the fourth criterion, makes me even more surprised Xavi missed out. Over the course of his career Xavi has won 5 league titles, a Spanish Cup, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 2 Champions Leagues, a European Super Cup and a World Club Championship; all with Barcelona of course. And with Spain, he has now won a European Championship and World Cup. As he approaches his 31st birthday, in two weeks time, it might also have been his last chance to win the Ballon d'Or. Whilst this shouldn't make too much of a difference, to be beaten by a man who has the best part of a decade to dominate these ceremonies, a little common sense should have been shown by the voters I think.
As I said last time, these things could take up a whole day if I let them so I'm going to finish up by acknowledging the fact that whilst Xavi, in my opinion, should have won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, I'm sure he's sleeping soundly with his World Cup winners medal round his neck and a ridiculous amount of money in the bank. Hey, you can't show too much compassion for these footballers.
Good blod man ,but yeah xavi should of got it for the reason it was his last chance and messsi has already won it,but another hat trick from the man last night is why he retained it.
ReplyDeleteYou do make a very valid point. It's all about being able to produce your best at the biggest tournaments in the world and there is no bigger than the World Cup. Once Spain got into their stride in South Africa, Xavi was untouchable. On the other hand, Messi was a shadow of his former self, unable to light up the biggest stage in football. We've seen down the years World Cup performances play a major part in who wins the award, so it comes as some surprise Xavi didn't win it. There is a small glimmer of hope that in the coming years, voters may recognize Xavi in a similar fashion to voters for BBC SPOTY nominated Giggs for the top prize last year.
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