My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1968

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1968. This ranking is based on the calendar year, not the season. What counts for this ranking is the player's regularity over the calendar year, the number of matches played, the ability to raise his level in big games, statistics (goals, assists, clean sheets, goals conceded, etc.) and trophies won (collective and individual).

In the calendar year 1968, Franz Beckenbauer continued to assert himself as one of the most complete and intelligent footballers of his generation. As the elegant sweeper and midfield general of Bayern Munich, he helped the club secure a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and reach the semifinals of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, showcasing his growing influence in both domestic and European competitions. Beckenbauer’s ability to control the tempo of a match, initiate attacks from deep, and defend with composure made him a revolutionary figure in the game. Internationally, he remained a cornerstone of the West German national team, preparing for the upcoming 1970 World Cup with a series of strong performances in qualifiers.

In the calendar year 1968, Carlos Alberto Torres was already emerging as one of the most complete and modern right-backs the game had ever seen. Playing for Santos FC, he was a key figure in a squad that included legends like Pelé, Zito, and Gilmar. That year, he helped Santos win the Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian national championship) and the Recopa Sudamericana, further solidifying the club’s dominance in South American football. Internationally, Carlos Alberto captained Brazil to victories in the Copa Rio Branco and the Copa Oswaldo Cruz, two traditional South American tournaments. Though these competitions were less prestigious than the World Cup or Copa América, they were still important fixtures in the regional calendar and showcased Brazil’s strength. Known for his elegance, tactical intelligence, and ability to surge forward with the ball, Carlos Alberto in 1968 was redefining the role of the full-back. He wasn’t just a defender—he was a leader, a playmaker from deep, and a symbol of Brazil’s evolving footballing identity. 

In the calendar year 1968, Giacinto Facchetti stood tall as one of the most influential and modern defenders in world football. As captain of Inter Milan, he continued to redefine the role of the full-back—not just as a defender, but as an attacking force capable of overlapping runs, incisive passes, and even goals. Though Inter didn’t win major silverware that year, Facchetti’s leadership and consistency remained unquestioned. The crowning moment of his 1968 came on the international stage, where he captained Italy to victory in the UEFA European Championship, their first major international title since the 1930s. His performances throughout the tournament were commanding, and he was named in the Team of the Tournament, recognized for his composure, athleticism, and tactical intelligence.

In the calendar year 1968, Johan Cruyff continued to evolve into one of the most dynamic and intelligent footballers in Europe, even though it was a relatively quiet year in terms of silverware. Playing for Ajax, he remained the team’s creative engine, dazzling with his dribbling, movement, and tactical awareness. Ajax finished second in the Eredivisie, narrowly missing out on the title, but Cruyff’s individual brilliance was never in question. That year, he also helped Ajax reach the final of the KNVB Cup, though they fell short of lifting the trophy. Despite the lack of major honors, Cruyff’s influence on the pitch was growing rapidly—he was already the central figure in Rinus Michels’ emerging philosophy of Total Football, a system that emphasized fluidity, intelligence, and positional interchange.

In the calendar year 1968, Gianni Rivera was the creative heartbeat of both AC Milan and the Italian national team, delivering one of the most influential seasons of his career. As Milan’s deep-lying playmaker, he orchestrated the Rossoneri’s midfield with his trademark elegance, vision, and pinpoint passing. That year, he led Milan to the Serie A title, dominating the league with his intelligence and technical mastery. Rivera’s impact extended to the international stage, where he played a key role in Italy’s triumph at the UEFA European Championship—their first major international trophy since the 1930s. Though he shared playmaking duties with Sandro Mazzola in a tactical rotation, Rivera’s calm leadership and ability to control the rhythm of matches were vital to the Azzurri’s success.

In the calendar year 1968, Pelé continued to reign as the most electrifying and dominant force in world football. Playing for Santos FC, he remained the centerpiece of a team that was still feared across Brazil and beyond. That year, Santos won the Campeonato Paulista, with Pelé once again finishing as the club’s top scorer, dazzling fans with his trademark blend of power, finesse, and creativity. Although Santos didn’t capture international titles in 1968, Pelé’s performances during the club’s global tours kept him in the international spotlight. Whether facing European giants or national teams in friendlies, he consistently delivered moments of magic—goals from impossible angles, gravity-defying headers, and dribbles that left defenders bewildered. His presence alone could fill stadiums from South America to Africa to Europe.

In the calendar year 1968, Dragan Džajić delivered one of the most electrifying performances in European football, firmly establishing himself as one of the finest wingers of his generation. Playing for Red Star Belgrade, he led the club to a domestic double—winning both the Yugoslav First League and the Yugoslav Cup—while dazzling fans with his pace, dribbling, and pinpoint crosses from the left flank. But it was on the international stage where Džajić truly captured global attention. At the UEFA European Championship, he was the standout player of the tournament, scoring two crucial goals—including a sublime lob against England in the semifinal—and guiding Yugoslavia to the final. Though they ultimately lost to Italy in a replay, Džajić’s performances earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and a place in the Team of the Tournament.

In the calendar year 1968, Eusébio was at the peak of his powers, delivering one of the most dominant individual seasons in European football. Leading the line for Benfica, he scored an astonishing 42 goals in the Portuguese league, earning him the first-ever European Golden Shoe, awarded to the top scorer across all European domestic leagues. His explosive pace, powerful shooting, and clinical finishing made him virtually unplayable. That same year, Eusébio helped Benfica reach the European Cup final, where they narrowly lost 4–1 to Manchester United after extra time. Despite the defeat, he was the tournament’s top scorer with 6 goals, reaffirming his status as one of the most feared strikers in Europe. In 1968, Eusébio wasn’t just a goal machine—he was a global icon, a symbol of Portuguese pride, and a pioneer for African-born players in European football. His performances that year were a masterclass in athleticism, technique, and leadership, and they solidified his legacy as one of the greatest forwards the game has ever seen.

In the calendar year 1968, Bobby Charlton reached one of the crowning achievements of his legendary career by helping Manchester United win the European Cup—the club’s first ever. Ten years after surviving the Munich air disaster, Charlton captained United to a 4–1 extra-time victory over Benfica at Wembley, scoring twice in the final. It was a deeply emotional and symbolic triumph, marking the completion of Matt Busby’s long journey to rebuild the team. Domestically, Charlton also helped United finish as runners-up in the English First Division, continuing to be a vital part of the club’s famed attacking trio alongside George Best and Denis Law. His leadership, vision, and thunderous long-range shooting remained central to United’s style of play. On the international stage, Charlton represented England at the UEFA Euro 1968, where the Three Lions finished third, adding another strong tournament performance to his résumé. In 1968, Charlton wasn’t just a footballer—he was a statesman of the game, a symbol of resilience, and one of the most respected figures in world sport.

In the calendar year 1968, George Best reached the absolute summit of his career—both as a footballer and as a cultural icon. At just 22 years old, he was the dazzling star of a Manchester United side that made history by winning the European Cup, the first ever for an English club. Best scored a legendary goal in the final against Benfica, rounding the goalkeeper in extra time to give United the lead in a 4–1 victory. That moment, on the grandest stage, sealed his place among the game’s immortals. Domestically, he was equally unstoppable, finishing as the top scorer in the English First Division with 28 goals, and helping United to a second-place league finish. His performances were a blend of artistry and audacity—slaloming past defenders, scoring from impossible angles, and playing with a swagger that made him the most exciting player in Europe. Off the pitch, Best’s fame exploded. Nicknamed the “Fifth Beatle”, he became the first true football celebrity, appearing in advertisements, gracing magazine covers, and living a rock-star lifestyle. In 1968, George Best wasn’t just the best player in Europe—he was a phenomenon, a symbol of football’s new era, and the face of a sport that was becoming global, glamorous, and gloriously unpredictable.