1996 Ballon d’Or Winner: ‘Iron’ Matthias Sammer Beats Ronaldo by One Point!

In 1996, the football world was stunned as the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Alessandro Del Piero, George Weah and Eric Cantona among many others were beaten to the coveted Ballon d’Or by Matthias Sammer.

Hardly a household name, Sammer’s 96 season was like the second coming of Franz Beckenbauer, as the Libero would prove pivotal in both Germany’s Euro 96 success and his club side’s league victory.

A versatile German midfielder, he was one of the early examples of a Rolls-Royce player, his remarkable journey to claim the award showcasing his exceptional skill set, playing like a man possessed.

Earlier Career

Born on September 5, 1967, in Dresden, East Germany, Sammer displayed immense talent and potential from a young age. He began his professional career at his boyhood club Dynamo Dresden,  quickly establishing himself as a gifted player, in spite of the fact he started life as a striker.

He would prove talented enough to earn his debut for the senior team aged 18, helped by his dad managing the Dresden Senior team.

With the collapse of the Berlin wall a couple of years away, Dresden plied their trade in the East German DDR -Oberliga, the top flight in East Germany. In this breakout season, he would score 8 goals, with Dresden finishing 5th in the league. A promising start, but the next season would prove to be the most important in his career as new manager Eduard Geyer saw much more than just a striker.

After a brief experiment as a winger, Sammer was moved to a midfield role with the German immediately shining. His tenacity and reading of the game allowed him to excel, as Matthias transformed from goalscorer to the bane of every attacker, the German never shying away from a challenge.

He was such a formidable opponent that Sammer would earn the nickname ‘Iron Matthias’, a moniker given to him after having a bleeding wound above his eye stapled together without anaesthetic after a typically brave challenge. He would play the rest of the match with a bloodied stapled eyebrow, with football fans lauding him for his bravery.

In 1990, Sammer made a significant move to Borussia Dortmund, which proved to be a turning point in his career. Under the guidance of manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, Sammer flourished in Dortmund’s yellow and black colours. His versatility allowed him to excel in midfield and defence, with Beckenbauer comparisons inescapable.

This change profoundly impacted the team, heavily contributing to Dortmund’s resurgence as a powerhouse in German football as they went on to have their greatest period in the 90s. Between 1991 and 96 they would reach a UEFA Cup final and win the league twice, Sammer captaining them, to back-to-back titles in 95 and 96. 

1996 Ballon d’Or Victory

The 1995-1996 season proved to be the pinnacle of Sammer’s career. Dortmund clinched the Bundesliga title, Sammer’s leadership, tactical intelligence, and immense work rate were instrumental in their success.

Playing as a sweeper, he seamlessly orchestrated Dortmund’s defensive unit while also showcasing his playmaking abilities. His contribution of eight goals from the back further highlighted his influence on the team’s all areas of the field.

Often when it comes to Ballon d’Or voting, international form is most important, and with the Germans winning the 1996 European Championships in England, the hype around Sammer was at an all-time high. Sammer’s outstanding club performances also translated onto the international stage.

He played an integral role in Germany’s triumph at the UEFA European Championship held in England. Deployed as a Libero, Sammer proved his versatility, stamina, and exceptional passing ability on the biggest stage.

He scored a crucial goal against Croatia in the quarterfinals and captained Germany to a historic 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the final. Sammer’s performances throughout the tournament earned him widespread acclaim and further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.

The Ballon d’Or Triumph: Despite fierce competition from renowned players such as Ronaldo, Alessandro Del Piero, and George Weah, Matthias Sammer’s exceptional performances throughout the 1996 season and his influential role in Dortmund’s Bundesliga success and Germany’s European triumph could not be overlooked.

In December 1996, he became the first German player and the first defender since Franz Beckenbauer in 1976 to win the Ballon d’Or award.

Many claim Sammer’s win was controversial, but those that take the time to look into Sammer’s 96 seasons will soon learn he was unplayable and a deserved winner of the award.

In the end, he would beat Ronaldo Nazario by just 1 vote, 144-143. Whilst Ronaldo scored 50 that year, Sammer was influential all over the pitch, starting attacks from the back, and sometimes finishing them, and breaking down opposition attacks as he became one of the most feared players to face thanks to a lack of any weaknesses to his game.

Matthias Sammer stats – 1996 season

1996 Ballon d’Or rankings – top 10