Why the Ballon d'Or Isn't as Important as We Believe

Football fans around the world speculated about who would win the coveted golden trophy as the annual Ballon d'Or ceremony that was held yesterday October 28, 2024. However, in the midst of all the excitement, speculation, and social media banters, we should take a moment to reconsider whether the Ballon d'Or is truly that important in the game of football. Here are some reasons why it might be time to re-evaluate one of the significance of football's recognisable individual award in the same category as Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

1. Football Is A Team Sport rather Than A Solo One

Football is fundamentally about strategy, cooperation, and unity. The top teams utilise the skills of every player on the pitch rather than depending only on one. On the other hand, the Ballon d'Or isolates a single player and only highlights their accomplishments. This takes away from the core of the game, which depends on cooperation and teamwork. Even though Andrés Iniesta and Xavi played key roles in some of the most successful teams in history, they were rarely recognised with Ballon d'Or awards. Why? because the award sometimes ignores the important yet subtle contributions that don't always make for impressive highlight reels.

2. It’s About Popularity and Politics, Not Pure Merit

As much as we’d like to believe the Ballon d'Or goes to the most deserving player, the truth is that politics and popularity heavily influence the outcome. With journalists and former players voting, the Ballon d'Or often mirrors current narratives and fan biases rather than objective talent. For instance, defenders and goalkeepers—positions that require immense skill and contribute just as much to a team’s success—are rarely awarded, suggesting that the Ballon d'Or favors flashy forwards over balanced evaluations.

3. Achievements Get Overshadowed by Bias and Recency Effect

Human nature favors recent memories, and the Ballon d'Or voters are no different. Players who excel towards the end of the season or who shine in a specific high-profile tournament often receive more attention than those who performed consistently well but out of the spotlight. This “recency bias” is why players from the same few clubs often dominate Ballon d'Or rankings, ignoring outstanding performances from players in less glamorous leagues or clubs.

4. Pressure on Players Distorts Priorities

There’s no question that the Ballon d'Or can increase a player’s marketability and value, but this emphasis on individual awards can create an unhealthy focus on personal stats over team achievements. Some players may feel pressured to play for their own glory, which runs counter to the collaborative spirit of football. The emphasis on personal accolades can lead to selfish playing styles, frustration when goals are not achieved, and even strained relationships among teammates.

MORE NEWS: CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BANKERS OF NIGERIA INVESTITURE

5. The Award is Outdated and Needs Rethinking

The Ballon d'Or was first awarded in 1956 when football and its media were very different. The award's relevance and methodology need reconsideration in an era where data and analytics can offer a fuller view of a player’s impact. Sticking to a traditional award based largely on opinion polls no longer reflects the depth and nuance of today’s game. Reforming or even replacing the award with something more reflective of modern football could make a bigger statement. When Cristiano Ronaldo commented that all these awards have lost its credibility, lots of haters jumped at him but now he has been proven to be the "Prophet of The Game" knowing when to speak and speak trth to the powers that govern football globally.

Let us take a look at the moments that eroded the ballon d'Or credibility of this particular award that has further given credibility to the Globe Soccer Award held in Dubai yearly: 

1. Sneijder robbed in 2010
2. Ronaldo was robbed in 2018
3. Van Dijk robbed in 2019
4. Lewandowski robbed in 2021
5. Haaland robbed in 2023

These days, when data is everywhere and artificial intelligence could be used based on data available to process and analyse in order to determine the winner per each category, all those football journalists and important club captains who have player biases will be too weak to be objective in their selection of the most outstanding player of the year. We were shocked to hear that one of Spain's past captains had told "Vini Jr. to change his attitude" so that he could win the Ballon d'Or. This is a sign of weak thinking on the part of some former players which could be due to envy, jealousy or the player embarass me on the filed of play or perhaps the player is too "proud" not danicng to the intrigue of the game outside the pitch, which is why they are unable to determine who is the best.Subjectivity has supplanted objectivity in every aspect of human life, including politics, religion, and the workplace.

6. Greatness is About Legacy, Not Trophies

Some of the best players in history are distinguished by their enduring contributions to the game rather than by their accolades. A Ballon d'Or was not necessary for legends like Paolo Maldini, Johan Cruyff, and George Best to solidify their reputations. Rather of receiving individual honours, they are known for their talent, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game. True greatness is not preserved in a gilded trophy given by a chosen few, but rather in the history of clubs and the memory of its supporters.

7. The True Winners are the Fans and the Sport Itself

In the end, the Ballon d'Or is only one story; the true worth of football is found in the excitement of the match, the friendship between supporters, and the tales that are told each time teams play. The excitement of football, whether it's a fierce league battle, a last-minute comeback, or a premier demonstration of skill, greatly surpasses the significance of individual honours. We lose sight of what makes football so special—its unpredictable nature, its inclusivity, and its potential to unite people—when we obsess about the Ballon d'Or.

Conclusion: Let’s Celebrate the Game, Not Just the Awards

While the Ballon d'Or ceremony may entertain, its significance in the grander context of football is overstated. The essence of the sport lies beyond individual trophies, in the passion and unity that every player, team, and fan brings to the game. As fans, rather than getting absorbed in who wins the Ballon d'Or, let’s return to what truly matters—celebrating the game we all love and appreciating the moments that make football unforgettable.

Author: Spidino Sports

Please tell this story:

Contact Us: report@probitasreport.com is the email address.
Keep yourself updated and ahead of the curve! For real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive information, particularly about integrity in business and financial fraud reporting, follow The ProbitasReport Online News Report on WhatsApp. Follow ProbitasReport on social media at @probitasreport to ensure you don't miss any headlines.

All rights reserved. [©2024 ProbitasReport]. Explicit consent is required for reproduction or redistribution.