From an early age, the Italian media dubbed Milan’s attacking midfielder Gianni Rivera their nation’s “Golden Boy.” He joined Milan in 1960 as a 17-year-old and would go on to serve as the team’s captain for twelve seasons. Rivera enjoyed a highly successful career both domestically and in Europe, winning three Serie A titles and … Read more
Hristo Stoichkov was the first ever Bulgarian to win the Ballon d’Or. He was also only the third Barcelona player in the competition’s history to claim the trophy following Luis Suárez in 1960 along with Johan Cruyff in both 1973 and 1974. Stoichkov enjoyed an incredible 1993/94 season with Barcelona – full of amazing performances … Read more
Contentsshow 1Why did Ronaldo win the Ballon d’OR? 2A leader on the world stage 3Did Ronaldo deserve it? Could Messi feel aggrieved? 4Cristiano Ronaldo stats – 2016 5Ballon d’Or 2016 Rankings – Top 20 Why did Ronaldo win the Ballon d’OR? In the 2015/2016 season, Cristiano Ronaldo had by his own admission, his best ever … Read more
1971 saw Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff finally receive much deserved recognition for years of consistent brilliance. The 24-year old became the first ever player from the Netherlands and Ajax to win the Ballon d’Or since its humble beginnings in 1956. It was a truly resounding win. Cruyff’s margin of victory was beyond convincing, accumulating 116 … Read more
Franz Beckenbauer is considered one of the best defenders in the history of world football. The German is also credited with revolutionising the art of modern defending and pioneering the ‘sweeper’ role within the European game. At the age of 30, having already won numerous domestic titles, a European Championship and World Cup trophy, Beckenbauer … Read more
In the year 1980, the football world witnessed the crowning of a true legend, as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, born on September 25, 1955, in Lippstadt, West Germany, was a forward renowned for his sublime skills, remarkable pace, and astute understanding of … Read more
In 1960, Spanish midfield maestro Luis Suarez won the Ballon d’Or’s fifth-ever edition. He became the first Spain-born player and third La Liga based footballer to claim the prize following Real Madrid forward Alfredo Di Stefano in 1957 and 1959 along with Los Blancos youngster Raymond Kopa in 1958. Suarez was also the first midfielder … Read more
Eusebio is a name synonymous with footballing greatness and a man who sits amongst the elite legends of the game. The goalscoring powerhouse often features in the ‘top ten’ of lists that judge the “best of all-time.” He was nicknamed ‘The Black Panther’ because of his strength in play and ‘The Black Pearl’ due to … Read more
The 1966 Ballon d’Or remains one of the closest contests in the award’s history. It pitted World Cup winner Bobby Charlton against Portuguese legend Eusébio with the Englishman finishing only a single point ahead of his rival. The two men went toe to toe in a fight to be named Europe’s finest player. It would … Read more
A storied rivalry, one that will forever be etched into football folklore as an iconic matchup. A game that brings out the best and worst of players. As innovation paves the way for new means to make history, supporters can be a part of the ‘Derby della Madonnina’ in new exciting ways. Now fans can … Read more