What If Messi and Ronaldo Never Existed? The Ballon d’Or Winners in an Alternate Universe
For the first time in 20 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been left off the Ballon d’Or shortlist, a decision that has sparked debate and curiosity among football fans worldwide. But what if these two titans of the sport never existed? Who would have won the coveted award in their place? France Football has revealed a list of alternate winners, and we’re diving in to explore the possibilities.
2008: Fernando Torres
In this alternate universe, Liverpool’s Fernando Torres would have won the Ballon d’Or in 2008. The Spanish striker finished third in the original rankings with 179 points, a testament to his impressive form for both club and country.
2009-2012: Xavi and Andres Iniesta
The next few years would have seen a Spanish dominance, with Xavi and Andres Iniesta trading victories. Xavi would have won in 2009, followed by Iniesta in 2010, and then Xavi again in 2011 and 2012. This period would have seen a focus on midfield mastery and tactical genius.
2013: Franck Ribery
In this world, Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery would have won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, a year in which he played a key role in the club’s treble-winning campaign. The French winger has often spoken about feeling robbed of the award, and in this alternate universe, he would have finally received the recognition he deserved.
2014: Manuel Neuer
The next year would have seen Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer take home the award. The German goalkeeper was in exceptional form, helping his team win the treble and cementing his reputation as one of the world’s best.
2015: Neymar
In this world, Neymar would have won the Ballon d’Or in 2015. The Brazilian forward was on fire for Barcelona, leading the team to a Champions League title and earning numerous individual accolades.
2016: Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann would have won the award in 2016, a year in which he led Atletico Madrid to the Champions League final and impressed for France at the Euros.
2017: Neymar
Neymar would have won his second Ballon d’Or in 2017, a year in which he left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain and continued to dominate the headlines.
2019: Virgil van Dijk
In this alternate universe, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk would have won the Ballon d’Or in 2019. The Dutch defender was instrumental in the Reds’ Champions League title and was widely regarded as the best center-back in the world.
2021: Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski would have won the award in 2021, a year in which he broke numerous records and dominated the scoring charts.
2022: Karim Benzema
Benzema would have won his first Ballon d’Or in 2022, a year in which he led Real Madrid to the Champions League title and impressed for France at the World Cup.
2023: Erling Haaland
Finally, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland would have won the award in 2023, a year in which he scored 52 goals and led his team to a historic treble.
There you have it – the Ballon d’Or winners in an alternate universe where Messi and Ronaldo never existed. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and let us know your thoughts on this fascinating thought experiment.