The Forgotten Super Ballon d’Or: A Trophy That Celebrates the Best of the Best
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honor in football, awarded annually to the best player in the world. But did you know that there’s another trophy that’s even more exclusive? Meet the Super Ballon d’Or, a one-of-a-kind award that recognizes the greatest player of the past three decades.
Introduced in 1989, the Super Ballon d’Or was awarded to Alfredo Di Stefano, the legendary Real Madrid striker. The trophy is similar to the Ballon d’Or but has a unique design, featuring gold mini footballs at the base that resemble Ferrero Rocher chocolates. It’s a true masterpiece.
But what makes the Super Ballon d’Or so special? For starters, it’s the only trophy that celebrates the best player of the past three decades, rather than just the previous year. It’s a nod to the greatest players of all time, who have made an impact on the sport that’s still felt today.
So, how did Di Stefano win this incredible award? Born in Argentina, he played for several clubs throughout his career, including Blackpool, Spanish giants Barcelona, and Real Madrid. He won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1957 and 1959, before being honored with the Super Ballon d’Or in 1989.
But here’s the interesting part: the Super Ballon d’Or is no longer awarded annually. In fact, it was last awarded in 1995, when Diego Maradona received the "Golden Ballon d’Or" for his contributions to the sport.
Fast forward to today, and you can’t help but wonder why the Super Ballon d’Or is no longer a part of the Ballon d’Or tradition. Is it because it’s too exclusive? Or is it because it’s just too special?
In our opinion, the Super Ballon d’Or should make a comeback. It’s a chance to recognize the greatest players of all time, not just the current crop of superstars. And let’s be real, it’s a trophy that would look incredible on anyone’s mantlepiece.
So, what do you think? Should the Super Ballon d’Or make a comeback? Let us know in the comments!
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