Tag: Ballon d’Or

24Nov By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Nominees For ‘Player Of The Century’ Award Have Been Revealed

The Ballon d'Or might not be getting handed out in 2020 but there is going to be an award for 'Player of the Century,' despite the fact we're only 20 years into the century. France Football decided that the Ballon d'Or wouldn't be given out after the long pause to the football season between March and June. The decision was widely criticised due to the fact the season was still finished, and many thought that Robert Lewandowski was hard done by and that they Bayern Munich striker would have been a shoe in to win. Lewandowski can at least find some solace in the fact he's one of 28 players nominated for 'Player of the Century,' although it seems unlikely he'll win. The award is being handed out at the Globe Soccer Awards, organised by EFAA (European Association of Player's A...

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20Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

PSG Vs Man Utd: Pogba Could Win Ballon D’or – Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba "has everything" to win the Ballon d'Or in the future, says former team-mate Ander Herrera. The Paris St-Germain midfielder is preparing to face his old club in their Champions League group game on Tuesday. Herrera, 31, who left Old Trafford in 2019, said: "There is no other like him - one on one, box to box. "He has everything to win the Ballon d'Or if his club fights for major trophies." World cup winner Pogba, 27, has made four appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring once in a 3-0 win over Brighton in the League Cup fourth round. Herrera moved on after winning four trophies in five years at United and the Spaniard says the current side is more "mature" than the one he played in. "There is a lot of talent, ...

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9Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Haaland will end up at Real Madrid, Man City or Bayern Munich’ – Michu expects Dortmund striker to land Ballon d’Or

The former Swansea forward, who a Norwegian youngster has admitted to admiring, believes a big future lies in store for an exciting talent Erling Haaland’s impact in European football is similar to that made by Kylian Mbappe, says Michu, with the Dortmund striker expected to join Real Madrid, Manchester City or Bayern Munich at some stage while also fighting for “the Golden Boot and Ballon d’Or every season”. At just 20 years of age, an exciting Norwegian frontman has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence. The 2019-20 campaign opened with Haaland being a relative unknown on the books of Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.

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1Sep By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Neuer Would Have Deserved Ballon D’or Over Lewandowski – Joachim Low

There will be a Ballon d’Or winner this year, but Joachim Low would have voted for Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer. Joachim Low believes Manuel Neuer’s Champions League final performance shows he would have deserved the 2020 Ballon d’Or ahead of Bayern Munich team-mate Robert Lewandowski. France Football announced it would not present its annual award for the world’s best player this year due to the coronavirus pandemic which halted some domestic competitions in 2019-20, including Ligue 1. The decision has prompted suggestions Lewandowski has been harshly treated, having appeared the standout candidate to succeed Lionel Messi after his 55 goals fired Bayern to a stunning treble. The striker, who was named Germany’s Footballer of the Year, last week agreed he deserved the...

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7Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Inter sponsor Pirelli can help the club sign Messi, claims chief executive Tronchetti

The tyre company boss was asked whether the shirt sponsor could assist in luring the Argentine superstar from Barca Pirelli chief executive Marco Tronchetti said the Inter shirt sponsor can "help" the Nerazzurri sign Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi but club president Steven Zhang must "make an effort himself". Messi's future is once again in the headlines amid reports the Barca captain is ready to quit the La Liga giants once his contract expires in 2021. Inter have been linked to Messi previously, with former president Massimo Moratti insisting the six-time Ballon d'Or winner relocating to Milan was not a "forbidden dream at all".

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16Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

20 Players Who Are Likely To Win The Ballon D’or 2020

Football is back and we’re immediately at the business end of the season. Domestic leagues will be won and lost over the next couple of weeks and we’re in the latter stages of cup competitions when they eventually resume. It’s all about which teams and which players hit the ground running. While football all around the world was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, many leagues are already back up and running. The Premier League and Serie A will join La Liga and the Bundesliga in returning to action as they conclude the 2019/20 campaign. While we won’t miss out on any club football in those four leagues, we have been robbed of international tournaments in the form of Euro 2020 and Copa America. So how has the coronavirus pandemic affected the race to win the 2020 Bal...

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16Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘I haven’t hit my peak yet’ – Bayern’s Lewandowski targets playing career well beyond 35 years old

Robert Lewandowski says the Ballon d'Or is not his focus but that "anything is possible" when it comes to winning the award, while insisting that his best years are still ahead of him. The Bayern Munich striker has never been in the top three for football's most prestigious individual prize, his best record coming when he finished fourth in the standings in 2015. The 31-year-old is likely to be in the running for the 2020 prize, though, having scored 45 goals in all competitions to put Bayern on the brink of another Bundesliga title. Should Hansi Flick's side also win the DFB-Pokal and Champions League this term, Lewandowski would be a strong candidate to become just the second player other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2007. "I was at the a...

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15May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Messi Has To Win World Cup To Be B Better Than Me, Ex-Brazilian Star Tells

Former Brazilian star, Edilson says Lionel Messi has to win the World Cup to prove he is better than him. The 49-year-old was part of the Brazilian side that won the Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup title. He also claimed that during his prime, he was better than Messi and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo. Similarly, Edilson said compatriot Neymar has to win the competition to be better than him, insisting that he was more skillful than the trio. Messi and Ronaldo have won 11 of the last 12 Ballon d’Or and have a number of individual prizes to their names. But Edilson, who played for Palmeiras and Corinthians in his home country and was never nominated or won the Ballon d’Or, stressed that his World Cup medal gave him an edge over them. “At my best, I played better than Neym...

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15May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘The best of all’ – Eto’o names Brazil legend Ronaldo as only player better than him

The four-time African of the Footballer of the Year expressed his admiration for the Brazil legend, whom he described as the best striker of all time Samuel Eto’o believes two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is the greatest striker of all time. Ronaldo was renowned for his goalscoring exploits for Brazil and at club level for Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV, and Inter Milan with hundreds of goals in a professional career that spanned 18 years. Aside from his success at club level, the 43-year-old won two Fifa World Cups, in 1994 and 2002, and was crowned the Fifa World Player of the Year thrice, while winning the Ballon d'Or in 1997 and 2002.

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12May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘I couldn’t believe my luck when Man Utd wanted me!’ – Liverpool snub led Owen to Old Trafford

The former England international admits his preference was to return to Anfield in 2009, but he ended up making a move to the Reds’ arch-rivals Michael Owen makes no apologies for having linked up with Manchester United in 2009, with the former Liverpool striker admitting he could not believe his luck when the Red Devils made an approach. A forgettable spell at Newcastle had been taken in by the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner after returning to English football from Real Madrid. Potential interest from Liverpool had been sounded out when making that move in 2005, but those at Anfield passed on the opportunity to do a deal.

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2May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Names Brazil Great as Favourite Player

The Arsenal and Gabon forward has named two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo as his favourite player of all time Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that Brazilian legend Ronaldo was and still is his favourite footballer. Ronaldo, now a majority owner at Real Valladolid, is often listed among the best players to ever grace the beautiful game, with his exploits for Brazil, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Barcelona. Apart from winning two Fifa World Cup titles, the forward boasts of numerous individual accolades, including two Ballon d'Or awards and three World Player of the Year crowns. Reacting to questions from fans as part of the Gunners’ online home learning activities, the 30-year-old named El Fenomeno as his favourite player ever. “My favourite car is t...

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30Apr By BobbyNo Comments

News

Henderson reveals he didn’t ask for Messi’s shirt after Champions League defeat to Barca because of Keane advice

The England midfielder has described his experience of playing against the six-time Ballon d'Or winner for the first time during the 2018-19 campaign Jordan Henderson has revealed that he took Roy Keane's advice on board regarding swapping shirts after Liverpool's defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, insisting he never considered asking for Lionel Messi's jersey. Liverpool suffered a 3-0 loss at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last season, with a Messi double and a Luis Suarez effort earning the home side a comfortable win. Messi was in inspired form on the night, and marked a superb all-round performance when he fired an unstoppable 25-yard free-kick past Alisson late in the game.

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18Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Van Dijk Warned he Would Never Win Ballon d’Or Award

Former Holland ace, Ruud Gullit, has warned Virgil van Dijk that he would never win the Ballon d’Or prize. Van Dijk narrowly lost out to Lionel Messi in 2019, finishing in second place. The Liverpool defender was considered one of the favourites to win it, after helping the Premier League side win the Champions League and finish second in the league. However, the Dutchman had to settle for the runner-up spot as Messi claimed the prize for a record sixth time. Although the 28-year-old is enjoying yet another impressive campaign, which is expected to see Jurgen Klopp’s side win a first league title in 30 years, Gullit doesn’t think his compatriot will have a better chance to take home the Golden Ball. “The message of the Ballon d’Or was, he’s never going to win it again,” ...

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26Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Guti Reveals Best Player Between Ronaldo and Messi

Former Real Madrid midfielder, Guti, has shared his opinion on who is a better player between Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Almeria manager believes Messi is technically superior than Ronaldo. Guti stated that the Argentina captain is always successful in every game he plays, while the Portugal captain has many ups and downs. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or awards six times in the last twelve years, while Ronaldo has won it five times. Asked to choose between Ronado and Messi, Guti told Movistar Plus: “I only know one player who has such a beastly success in every game. And it is Messi. “Every time he goes out to the field something happens. The others have many ups and downs.” Guti added, “It is true that I recently ...

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16Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ronaldo Have More Influence On A Game Than Messi, He Has All Physical And Technical Football – Xavi

If the Ballon d’Or is the definitive guide to the best footballer in the world, then Cristiano Ronaldo has been the consistent star in recent years. The Portuguese forward has won the award in four of the past seven years. Ronaldo has benefitted from Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League - they made it a hat-trick of European titles last two season. Meanwhile Messi, despite all of his domestic success, hasn’t won the European competition since 2015. And huge importance is placed on winning the biggest club competition in the world when it comes to Ballon d’Or voting. Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has no doubts that Messi is the best player in the world, despite what the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best award say. "If Cristiano considers himself the best player i...

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18Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Samuel Eto’o blames Africans for Mane losing Ballon D’or to Lionel Messi

African football legend, Samuel Eto’o has blamed Africans for making Liverpool/Senegal star player Saido Mane miss out on winning the 2019 Ballon D’or. Lionel Messi won the 2019 Ballon d'Or while Mane came fourth in the Ballon d'Or voting after enjoying an impressive year in which he won the champion league and helped Liverpool to second in the league, his work rate and skills have also been lauded by football analysts and fans worldwide but Eto’o a former Messi teammate feels Africans let their own brother down. “If Sadio Mane won it and was on the podium, no one was going to complain because he deserves it and has been doing well and he had the best season,” Eto’o said as per IOL. “Messi (Lionel) won because all the South Americans voted for him. I think the Europeans also vot...

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18Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo Would’ve Won Ballon D’or If He Played For Real Madrid – Mendes

Cristiano Ronaldo would have won the Ballon d'Or if he played for Real Madrid, according to the Juventus superstar's agent Jorge Mendes. Ronaldo – a five-time Ballon d'Or winner – has not claimed the individual award since leaving Madrid for Juve in 2018, with Luka Modric and Lionel Messi honoured in back-to-back seasons. Messi received a record sixth Ballon d'Or this month as Portugal international Ronaldo finished third behind the Barcelona captain and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. "Cristiano deserved to win the Ballon d'Or at least once in the last two years," Mendes said. "If he had played at Real Madrid, he would have won it, but next year I think he can win it again. "For me it is an injustice [that Cristiano hasn't won the Ballon d'Or]. He won the Nations Leagu...

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8Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Messi celebrated winning his sixth Ballon d’Or with a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Mallorca

Lionel Messi celebrated winning his sixth Ballon d'Or with a hat-trick as Barcelona beat Mallorca to move top of La Liga. He scored two excellent finishes from outside the box before smashing in a third off the underside of the crossbar. Antoine Griezmann had opened the scoring for Barca, with Luis Suarez netting an outrageous backheel. Ante Budimir scored twice for struggling Mallorca. Messi showed off his Ballon d'Or trophy - awarded to the best player in the world - to the Nou Camp crowd before kick-off, with his family on the pitch alongside him. And he finished the match with his 35th La Liga hat-trick, breaking the record of Cristiano Ronaldo. Barcelona were excellent at times, particularly in the first half, with some fantastic passing movement. However their ...

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6Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez Reacts As Messi Wins Ballon D’or

Georgina Rodriguez, the girlfriend to Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted as Lionel Messi clinched the 2019 Ballon d’Or award. Rodriguez maintained that Ronaldo was the best despite losing the award the Ballon d’Or award while describing him as incomparable. In a post on her verified Instagram page, she wrote: “Incomparable. There are figures and titles, of all this you are the protagonist with the best results, such as the League of Nations, the Italian Cup, the Serie A Championship, Best Player of the Serie A, among others. “But fortunately neither the awards nor the titles speak only for you, even if you have them a lot. What speaks best about you is yourself, your passion, your hunger for self-improvement, your fellowship, because you are the inspiration of Socc...

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5Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

The World-of-Sports celebrate Messi as he wins Ballon d’Or award on Monday

Lionel Messi won the sixth Golden Ball Award on Monday, beating the main contenders Liverpool and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the most prestigious individual soccer trophy. The Argentine, who won the League title in Barcelona but only obtained a third place in the Copa América with his country, joined his trophies 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Senegalese Sadio Mane, who along with Brazilian runner-up Alisson Becker of Brazil and Egyptian Mohamed Salah, helped the Merseyside club win the Champions League, ranked fourth in the survey of international journalists. He beat the Dutch Virgil van Dijk and the Portuguese Ronaldo, third, who won the trophy five times. "I am very lucky, I am blessed. I hope to continue for a long time," Messi told reporters. "I realize that I am lucky, even if...

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5Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Lionel Messi Reveals Why He Voted For Sadio Mané To Win Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi has revealed why he voted for Sadio Mane to win the Ballon d'Or at the FIFA Best Awards on Monday. Messi won his sixth Ballon d'Or at the event but you aren't allowed to vote for yourself at the prestigious event. The Argentine has revealed that he voted for Liverpool's Sadio Mane to win the illustrious award. The 32-year-old explained to Canal Sport: "There was a lot of great players this year, but I chose (Sadio) Mané because he is a player I really enjoy watching, he had a great year with Liverpool." He also said that it was 'a shame' to see the Senegalese forward finish in fourth place. But the Barca captain said there have been lots of stand out players in 2019. "I think there have been a lot of great players this year. That's why it was difficult t...

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4Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ronaldo Was Robbed Of Ballon D’or In 2018, Madrid Wanted To Stop Him – Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini claims Juventus teammate Cristiano Ronaldo “was robbed of the Ballon d’Or last year, as Real Madrid wanted to stop him winning.” The trophy went to Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric in 2018, while this year the winner was Barcelona star Lionel Messi. Ronaldo skipped the ceremony for two years running after learning he would not be holding the golden globe aloft. Asked about the decisions, Chiellini made some remarkable comments on Sky Sport Italia. d'Or last season, when Real Madrid decided to make sure he couldn't win it and that was really weird,” said the defender. “This season, it was more balanced. With all due respect, Modric even in his best season of his career didn't deserve it. That was a signal from Real Madrid, as they wanted to...

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4Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Drogba Pictured With Mbappe At The Ballon D’or, 10 Years After Turning Him Down

African legend Didier Drogba explains why he took selfie with Kylian Mbappe. Didier Drogba takes a selfie with Kylian Mbappe on the Ballon d'Or stage... a decade after turning one down with the future PSG star because he was fuming at the ref after Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona.

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4Dec By dthataNo Comments

Uncategorized

It Hurt When Ronaldo Won His Fifth Ballon D’or – Messi

Lionel Messi admits “it hurt” when Cristiano Ronaldo joined him on five Ballon d’Or triumphs, with the Barcelona superstar claiming to understand the frustration of a rival who opted not to attend the 2019 ceremony. Messi had dropped to fifth in the vote 12 months ago, while four years had passed since he was last recognised as the finest player on the planet. In that time, Portuguese icon Ronaldo added another two Ballons d’Or to his collection, with a run of four wins in the space of five years taking the Juventus forward level with an eternal foe. Messi admits he found it difficult to see Ronaldo claiming his fifth award and can appreciate why the Juventus star - who was in Milan to collect a Serie A Player of the Year prize on Monday rather Paris - will be experiencing sim...

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3Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ballon D’or: Drogba’s Iphone 6 Surprises Fans. Don’t Be Too Materialistic!

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba hosted the Ballon d’Or 2019 awards and was tasked with the responsibility of handing the 2019 Ballon d’Or trophy to Lionel Messi. The Ivorian took a selfie with Paris Saint-Germain sensation Kylian Mbappe during the Ballon d’Or 2019 awards ceremony on Monday, and what caught the eyes of many is the modest iPhone 6 that’s still being used by the football legend.

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3Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

When You Don’t Win, You Have To Come To Show Respect – Modric On Ronaldo Absence

Luka Modric has talked about Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, saying that "you have to show respect". "Congratulations, you deserve it." said Modric before handing the Ballon d'Or trophy to Messi. However, Modric also spoke on Ronaldo's absence from the ceremony. "When you don't win, you have to be there to show respect. This is football."

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3Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

See how Didier Drogba fulfilled a 10-year debt to Kylian Mbappe at the 2019 Ballon d’Or awards

On Monday night, Didier Drogba fulfilled a 10-year debt to Kylian Mbappe by taking a selfie with the French football star at the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards. The Chelsea legend revealed that he denied a then 10-year-old Mbappe a picture after a Champions League semi-final with Barcelona in 2009,  because he wasn't happy by the poor officiating of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Barcelona knocked out Chelsea. At the ceremony last night, Drogba, who hosted the ceremony alongside Sandy Heribert invited the PSG striker to the Ballon d'Or stage to fulfill his '10-year debt' to the French star. He said on stage: 'Ten years ago after a match, a child came to me and wanted to take a picture. 'That day I said no because of the result [and the refereeing]. I learned that the child was Kyl...

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3Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Lionel Messi shows off his 6th Ballon d’Or trophy as he poses with his family

Last night, Lionel Messi became the first-ever player to win sixth Ballon d’Or trophy after edging out Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award in Paris. Taking to his Instagram page hours ago, the Barcelona and Argentine playmaker shared a family photo of himself posing with his new trophy alongside his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo and their sons, Thiago and Mateo.

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3Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Four Liverpool stars make Ballon d’Or top 10 alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Barcelona striker, Lionel Messi was the biggest winner of the night after he picked up his sixth Ballon d'Or trophy. But four Liverpool players dominated the Ballon d'Or top10 list after their Champions League success and sensational form last season. Three other Liverpool players (Roberto Firmino, Alexander Arnold and Gini Wijnadum) were included in the first 20 names revealed on Monday afternoon. Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk were all named in the top 10. The Liverpool stars were also joined in the top 10 by both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who dominated the Ballon d’Or for a decade between 2008 and 2017. Manchester City stars Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva are also included, along with Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Muni...

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3Dec By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Uncategorized

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister calls out Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk over his joke about the Juventus striker at Ballon d’Or awards

Katia Aveiro, the sister of Cristiano Ronaldo has put Liverpool's defender Virgil van Dijk on blast over his joke about the Juventus striker at the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night. Ronaldo failed to show up for the ceremony in Paris and instead attended the 2019 Gran Gala del Calcio gala in Milan to collect his ‘Best Player in Serie A’ award. When Van Dijk was being interviewed by Dutch television station RTL7 before the Ballon d’Or gala, the interviewer pointed out to Van Dijk that Ronaldo’s absence meant that he had one less rival to contend with for the Ballon d’Or award and the Liverpool defender replied: ‘Was he a rival then?’ Well, this didn't go down well for Ronaldo's sister Katia, who has now slammed Van Dijk in a lengthy rant on Instagram. ‘I think there are pe...

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2Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Alisson Becker Wins Yachine Trophy At Ballon D’or In France

After a successful season of hard work, clean shits and saves, Allison has been given the Yachine Trophy which is the trophy for the best keeper. The Liverpool Keeper enjoyed the best season of his life last season after win the UEFA champions league against English side Tottenham. Becker took his team past the semi finals after a surprise clean shit defeat to the Spanish giants Barcelona.

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2Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

The Top Ten Ballon D’or Finalists

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk are among the leading contenders to lift the coveted 2019 Ballon d’Or trophy in Paris on Monday night. Barcelona and Argentina forward Messi is favourite to take the prize for a record sixth time but inspirational Liverpool defender Van Dijk is expected to provide strong competition. Van Dijk was one of seven Liverpool players on the shortlist along with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and forwards Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Manchester City had five players nominated in Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez with Tottenham duo Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min also featuring. Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubam...

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2Dec By dthataNo Comments

Sport

If Messi Wins Ballon D’or, There Are No Losers -Van Dijk

A leaked document shows the gong going to the Argentine for a record sixth time, but the Dutchman isn't bothered Virgil van Dijk may lose out on the Ballon d’Or to Barcelona's Lionel Messi, but the Liverpool man insists there are no losers amongst the nominees. The Netherlands international was immense in leading Liverpool to last season’s Champions League and could become the first defender to win the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. A leaked document shows Messi winning the award for a record sixth time, pipping Van Dijk and Anfield team-mate Mohamed Salah. However the Dutch centre-half won’t be upset if the document proves accurate, as he believes everyone in the room when the award is announced will be a winner.  

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26Nov By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Kylian Mbappe Backed Lionel Messi To Win Ballon D’or

The French man and Paris Saint-German player said that the Barcelona captain Lionel Messi deserves to win the 2019 Ballon d’Or. Both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, with the winner set to be announced at a ceremony in Paris in December. The Barcelona player was named the best men’s player at the Best Fifa Football Awards in September, finishing ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Christiano Ronaldo. However, the Liverpool player Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA Player of the year in August. The trio are the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or and Mbappe says he thinks the Barcelona captain Lionel Messi should be given the Ballon d’Or. The Paris Saint-German player told Der Spiegel: ”Messi, in individual terms, was the best player this year...

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25Nov By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Virgil van Dijk should win the Ballon d’Or – Jürgen Klopp

Jürgen Klopp believes Virgil van Dijk deserves to win the Ballon d’Or in recognition of his unparalleled form throughout last season. Van Dijk is one of seven Liverpool players on the 30-man shortlist for the game’s most prestigious individual honour, with the recipient to be revealed at a ceremony next Monday. The No.4 was a near-ever-present as the Reds ended 2018-19 as champions of Europe and having amassed a club-record total of 97 points in the Premier League. Peerless performances led to Van Dijk being crowned UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season - and his manager has backed the Netherlands captain to be honoured further next week. “If you give the Ballon d'Or to the best player of this generation then you ...

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7Nov By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Micah Richards Explains What It’s Like To Play Against Lionel Messi

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards says it was "impossible" to stop Lionel Messi when he played against the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. The 31-year-old, who made 179 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions, spoke about the greatest of all time in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible. Richards suggested the Barcelona forward was "harder to play against" than Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, the two-time Premier League winner claimed that he "kept Ronaldo quiet on a couple of occasions" when he played against Manchester United between 2005 and 2009. When asked who the GOAT is during our chat, the former City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina right-back was complimentary of them both, but one man stood out on the pitch. "I have to say Lionel Messi." Richards ...

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2Nov By dthataNo Comments

Sport

I’m The Best African Player In History – Eto’o

Although the Ballon d'Or eluded him during his playing time, the Cameroon legend feels he is the best African player ever Former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o has insisted he is the best African player in history. The 38-year-old had an illustrious career where he won 18 major trophies, including three Champions Leagues and two Africa Cup of Nations titles as well as an Olympic gold medal. Eto’o was named the African Player of the Year four times but failed to win the Ballon d'Or, with his best placing being in the 2005 edition where he finished third. Eto’o believes he was the best player from the continent, given his achievements during his playing time for his country and the various clubs he played for. "I don't need to lay claim to anything, it's ju...

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31Oct By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Samuel Eto’o rules out career in politics, says I’m not interested

“Everyone wants me to go into politics, but there won’t be 10 million Weahs,” Eto’o said in an exclusive interview with AFP. Weah, the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or, became president of Liberia in January 2018. “Everyone is born with their own star. Everyone at some point gets involved in politics at their own level, but, for the moment, it doesn’t interest me.” The 38-year-old Cameroon legend recently brought the curtain down on a glittering playing career during which he won the UEFA Champions League twice with Barcelona and once more with Inter Milan. An idol in his homeland, Eto’o gave his backing to Paul Biya — who has ruled the country for 37 years — before his re-election in 2018. Biya is 86 and is dealing with a major crisis in Cameroon as a two-year sec...

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28Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ronaldo Covers Ballon D’or Magazine, Reveals Retirement Plans

The Juventus and Portugal star graced the front cover of France Football, the magazine that awards the annual Ballon d'Or. Cristiano Ronaldo was the star on the front cover of this week's France Football magazine. The organisation that awards football's most esteemed prize for an individual player sat down with the Juventus star to find out more about him. Ronaldo on staying at the top "You have to be intelligent to stay at the top," the Portuguese player declared. He went on to say explain other keys to his longevity and success and how he aims to feel as young as he can. At 34, he is still defying many. Cristiano has tended to shy away from questions about the end of his playing career, but confirmed to the French outlet that he will switch off for at least a while when the...

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24Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Ruud Van Nistelrooy Says Lionel Messi Is The Best

Former Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has said that Lionel Messi is better than the world's best players rolled into one. Messi was named on Monday night amongst the 30 players on the shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or and Van Nistelrooy says that 'no one comes close' to the Barcelona man. Speaking to SPORT, the former Manchester United striker said, "Nobody comes close to Messi, tell me who: Cristiano is a scorer, Iniesta is a brain, Salah, Mané, Hazard and Mbappé are excellent players, but Messi is all that together. There is no player who is at his level, it seems a Playstation player." It's not the first time Barcelona's all time top scorer has been described as a 'Playstation player.' After he forward scored four goals against Arsenal in 2010 Gunners' boss Ars...

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24Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Mbappe Must Leave PSG To Win Ballon D’or, Mane Performed Better – El Hadji Diouf

Kylian Mbappe cannot win the Ballon d'Or with Paris Saint-Germain, according to former Liverpool forward El Hadji Diouf. The talented 20-year-old finished fourth in the voting in 2018 after winning the World Cup with France. We recall that Mbappe topped the scoring charts in Ligue 1 last season with 33 goals, but ex-Senegal international Diouf views performances in the Premier League as being more valuable. He believes two of Liverpool's seven Ballon d'Or nominees deserve to join Lionel Messi in this year's top three

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22Oct By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Neymar & Luka Modric excluded from 30 man Ballon D’or shortlist as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Virgil van Dijk top nominations

PSG/Brazil star Neymar Jr. and last year's Ballon D'or winner Luka Modric have been excluded from the 2019 Ballon D'or nominee list released Monday night with favorite Virgil Van Dijk competing against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the France Football organized award. The Ballon d'Or has been awarded by the French magazine, France Football, since 1956 and sees their editorial staff put together the initial 30-man shortlist. Modric beat Messi and Ronaldo to last year's gong following his impressive run at the FIFA 2018 World Cup and Real Madrid's Champions League win but his omission this year makes him the first player in history to miss out on nomination the following year after winning it. Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was included on the 30-strong shortlist, a...

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20Sep By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Didier Drogba Named Ballon D’or Ambassador

Chelsea and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba has been chosen as France Football’s Ballon d’Or ambassador on Thursday. The former Blues star will co-host the award ceremony set for December 2 in Paris, and will present the trophy. “I feel honoured to present this prestigious award. I see it as an acknowledgement of my career and its exemplarity,” Drogba said in a statement . Although the former forward never won the celebrated award, he was nominated eight times between 2004 and 2012, and even came fourth in 2007. “I would have liked to do better but this fourth place is a great reward,” admits Drogba. The 64th Ballon d’Or ceremony will be take place at the end of the year, with Virgil van Dijk the frontrunner for the top award.

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11Sep By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Sergio Ramos backs Virgil van Dijk to win the Ballon d’Or

Sergio Ramos has not been well liked by Liverpool fans for some time after his antics in the 2018 Champions League final, but the Real Madrid star has given his backing to Reds centre back Virgil van Dijk over the Ballon d'Or. Van Dijk beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the prize of UEFA's Best Player at the recent Champions League draw. And Ramos has backed the Dutch defender to once again come out on top ahead of five-time winners Messi and Ronaldo. 'If Van Dijk wins it, it will be on sufficient merit - great defender,' Ramos, speaking at the launch of his Amazon documentary, said. 'As a defender, it's harder. It seems as though it's not just Messi and Cristiano [now]. It seems there's a route opening [for others].' Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award betwee...

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30Aug By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Difference Between Ballon d’Or, UEFA Best Player And FIFA World’s Best

Balloon d'or is a France award given to the best player in the world, usually voted by players(captains), international journalists and coaches. UEFA player of the year is given to the best player in Europe. The FIFA world's best award is the grand finale. It is a global award for the best player in the world. It is usually or sometimes given at the beginning of the next year.. e.g early 2020. Balloon d'or award comes up September 23, 2019 in Italy.

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15Aug By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Sadio Mane Backs Lionel Messi To Win The Ballon D’or Over Virgil Van Dijk

The Senegalese superstar, 27, was in superb form for Liverpool last season as the Reds finished second in the Premier League title race and captured the Champions League crown. But Mane doesn't believe that's enough to stop the Barcelona captain, 32, from winning a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or. Speaking ahead of the Super Cup clash with Chelsea, the Liverpool star was asked if he would feel 'frustrated' if Messi won France Football's coveted prize ahead of him. Mane chuckled after hearing the question and responded with a simple "No." The Senegal international continued: "I will recognise that he deserves to win it. "For sure, everybody knows Messi, so I don't have to describe how good he is." Van Dijk, 28, is widely tipped to challenge Messi for the Ballon d'Or ...

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14Aug By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘the Difference With Messi Is…’ – Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo insists “the difference with Lionel Messi is that I won the Champions League with several clubs and I identify with this tournament.” The Juventus star spoke to DAZN in a documentary for their ‘The Making Of’ series, with another clip released today. He discusses his rivalry with Barcelona hero Messi and their constant battle to be considered the greatest of their generation. “The difference with Messi is that I played for several clubs and won the Champions League with different clubs,” said CR7. “I was top scorer in the Champions League six seasons in a row. There aren’t many players who won five Champions League trophies, so this is why I feel that I can identity myself with this tournament. “Messi is an excellent player who will be remembered not just for...

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13Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘I wanted the No. 7 jersey!’ – New Juventus signing Danilo relishing Ronaldo reunion

Despite failing in his light-hearted bid to steal the striker's trademark number, Danilo cannot wait to meet up once more with his old Madrid friend Danilo is motivated to become a better player at Juventus with the help of former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and new head coach Maurizio Sarri. The Brazil full-back made the move to Turin last week as part of a deal that saw Joao Cancelo move the opposite way to Manchester City. He will reunite with five-time Balon d'Or winner Ronaldo at the Allianz Stadium, having previously won two Champions League titles together at Madrid.

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30Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Uncategorized

Havertz can win Ballon d’Or – Matthaus

The Germany midfielder just has to continue his current trajectory to secure the title as the world's best footballer, according to an icon Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz can one day win the Ballon d’Or, according to German legend Lothar Matthaus. Havertz, who turned 20 in June, had a remarkable 2018-19 season in central midfield for Leverkusen, scoring 20 goals in 45 games. He finished second in the Bundesliga player of the season awards, just behind Dortmund’s Marco Reus, 10 years his senior.

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26Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Piatek dreams of playing alongside Ronaldo but is determined to fill Milan’s No. 9 shirt

The Polish frontman has been a revelation in Serie A and is eager to prove that he can match the efforts of the very best forwards in the business AC Milan forward Krzysztof Piatek says Cristiano Ronaldo would be a dream strike partner, but he is determined to prove himself deserving of the No. 9 shirt at San Siro. The prolific Poland international has been a revelation since arriving in Serie A as a stunning impact in 2018-19 saw him score 19 goals in 21 appearances for Genoa, before then recording 11 in as many appearances after securing a big-money move to Milan. His 30-goal haul is two more than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo managed in his debut campaign at Juventus.

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