Pick the best player never to have won Ballon d'Or

The Uncrowned Kings: Who is the Greatest Player Never to Have Won the Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d'Or. For decades, it has stood as the pinnacle of individual achievement in world football, a golden orb symbolizing unparalleled brilliance and consistent excellence. Yet, for every legendary name etched onto its prestigious roster, there are countless others, equally deserving, who have seen their careers pass without this ultimate accolade. This is the realm of the uncrowned kings, the maestros whose artistry, impact, and sheer talent have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game, yet who, for a myriad of reasons, never lifted that coveted trophy. The BBC has sparked a fascinating debate, asking a question that resonates deeply with football purists: who is the best player never to have won the Ballon d'Or?

It’s a question that ignites passionate arguments in pubs, online forums, and amongst friends. It forces us to delve beyond raw statistics and consider intangible qualities: leadership, influence on teammates, the ability to change the course of a game with a single moment of magic, and the sheer longevity of their brilliance. The candidates are, as expected, a who's who of footballing royalty, each with a compelling case.

The Case for the Dutch Masters: Cruyff and Van Basten

When we talk about players who redefined the game, Johan Cruyff’s name is invariably at the forefront. A visionary on and off the pitch, Cruyff was the architect of 'Total Football' with Ajax and the Dutch national team, a style that influenced generations. His elegance, intelligence, and revolutionary ideas were simply ahead of their time. While he did win three Ballon d'Or awards, his omission from the "never won" debate is a testament to his immense stature. However, if we were to consider players who *should* have won more, or perhaps players who were contemporaries and missed out, the conversation shifts. His compatriot, Marco van Basten, is another titan whose career was cruelly cut short by injury. Three Ballon d'Ors are a testament to his extraordinary talent – a complete forward with breathtaking aerial ability, sublime technique, and a devastating shot. But one wonders, had his career trajectory been different, would his legacy be even more dominant?

The very mention of Cruyff and Van Basten highlights the difficulty of this exercise. They *did* win it, which, in a way, almost feels like a cheat code to this particular debate. But their presence in any "greatest ever" discussion, regardless of awards, is undeniable.

The Brazilian Sorcerers: Garrincha and Zico

Brazil, a nation synonymous with footballing genius, has produced an embarrassment of riches. While Pelé and Ronaldo Nazário are Ballon d'Or winners, the legendary Garrincha, a two-time World Cup winner and arguably the greatest dribbler the game has ever seen, never received the award. His electrifying runs and ability to mesmerize defenders were legendary. Then there's Zico, the 'White Pelé', a midfield maestro whose vision, passing range, and goal-scoring prowess were simply breathtaking. He was the undisputed star of a legendary Brazilian side in the early 1980s, yet the Ballon d'Or eluded him.

These are players whose fame transcended mere statistics. Garrincha, in particular, embodied the joy and unpredictability of Brazilian football. His story is one of triumph over adversity, and his impact on the sport is immeasurable. Zico, on the other hand, was the epitome of elegance and intelligence in midfield. To think he never stood atop the Ballon d'Or podium feels like a significant oversight, a gap in football's narrative.

The Continental Kings: Puskás, Di Stéfano, and Platini

The history of the Ballon d'Or is rich with European legends. Ferenc Puskás, the legendary Hungarian and Real Madrid forward, was a goal-scoring phenomenon. His powerful left foot and incredible finishing ability made him a feared opponent for over two decades. Alfredo Di Stéfano, the driving force behind Real Madrid's early European Cup dominance, was an all-action midfielder who could score, assist, and defend with equal aplomb. Michel Platini, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner himself, was the orchestrator of France's golden era in the 1980s, a midfielder of sublime skill and leadership.

It's a curious paradox, isn't it? Di Stéfano, the man who arguably *defined* the European Cup and Real Madrid's dynasty, never won the Ballon d'Or. He was a player who could do everything, a true all-rounder. Puskás, a prolific scorer for both club and country, also seems like a glaring omission from the list of winners. Platini, while a winner, represents the era where the award was more European-centric, yet even he wasn't universally acknowledged as the undisputed greatest throughout his career.

The Modern Era Enigmas: Iniesta, Xavi, and Buffon

Moving into the more recent past, the midfield maestros of Barcelona and Spain, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández, are perhaps the most prominent examples of Ballon d'Or snubs. Their intricate passing, unparalleled vision, and ability to control the tempo of any game were instrumental in Barcelona's golden era and Spain's international triumphs. They were the heartbeat of two of the greatest teams football has ever witnessed. And then there's Gianluigi Buffon, widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His longevity, leadership, and countless match-winning saves for Juventus and Italy are legendary. He was the last line of defense, a true captain, and a symbol of consistency.

This is where the debate gets particularly poignant. Iniesta, the man who scored the winning goal in a World Cup final, a moment of pure national ecstasy, finished second and third in Ballon d'Or voting. How can that be? Xavi, the metronome, the brain of that legendary Barcelona side, also consistently finished in the top three. It feels like a collective injustice to these two midfield geniuses who revolutionized the game with their passing and control. And Buffon, the evergreen goalkeeper, the epitome of professionalism and class – a truly unique player in this discussion. His exclusion feels particularly harsh given the unique demands of his position.

The Unsung Heroes and the Unfairness of It All

The Ballon d'Or, while prestigious, is inherently a subjective award. It often favors attacking players and goal scorers, and sometimes the narrative of the year plays a significant role. This can leave defensive stalwarts, midfield generals, and even goalkeepers overlooked, despite their immense contributions. The criteria have also evolved over time, adding another layer of complexity to historical comparisons. The introduction of the Ballon d'Or Féminin adds a crucial dimension to this discussion, highlighting the need for equal recognition of talent across genders.

Ultimately, the question of "the best" is a delightful, albeit impossible, one to definitively answer. It's a conversation starter, a way to celebrate the incredible talent that has graced our sport. Whether you lean towards the dazzling dribbling of Garrincha, the midfield artistry of Xavi and Iniesta, the all-around brilliance of Di Stéfano, or the sheer defensive mastery of Buffon, each name evokes memories of unforgettable footballing moments. The BBC’s initiative allows us to revisit these legends, to appreciate their impact, and to perhaps, just perhaps, champion the player whose brilliance shone brightest, even without the golden glow of the Ballon d'Or.