My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1983

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1983. 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).

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Germany’s goal-scoring powerhouse, had a stellar year in 1983, continuing to dominate European football with his clinical finishing and leadership. Playing for Bayern Munich, he was instrumental in their Bundesliga triumph, securing the German league title with his sharp instincts and relentless drive. His ability to find the net with precision, combined with his intelligent movement, made him a nightmare for defenders. Rummenigge’s performances throughout the year reinforced his reputation as one of the finest forwards of his generation. His influence extended beyond club success, as he remained a key figure for West Germany, delivering crucial performances on the international stage.

Alain Giresse, France’s midfield maestro, had a brilliant year in 1983, showcasing his technical brilliance and leadership. Playing for Girondins de Bordeaux, he was the driving force behind the team’s strong domestic campaign, dictating play with his precise passing and intelligent movement. His ability to control the tempo and unlock defenses made him one of the most influential midfielders in Europe.

Rinat Dasayev, the Iron Curtain, had a standout year in 1983, proving why he was one of the best goalkeepers in the world. As Spartak Moscow’s last line of defense, he was a commanding presence, blending sharp reflexes with impeccable positioning. His performances helped Spartak secure a second-place finish in the Soviet Top League, as he consistently frustrated opposition strikers with his shot-stopping ability. Dasayev’s brilliance extended to the Soviet national team, where he remained their undisputed number one. His ability to read the game, organize his defense, and pull off spectacular saves made him a nightmare for attackers.

Felix Magath had a historic year in 1983, delivering one of the most iconic moments in European football. Playing for Hamburger SV, he was the driving force behind their Bundesliga campaign, but his crowning achievement came in the European Cup final. On May 25, 1983, Magath scored the winning goal against Juventus with a stunning long-range strike, securing Hamburg’s first-ever European Cup title. His ability to dictate play, control the midfield, and step up in crucial moments made him indispensable.

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s talisman, had another exceptional year in 1983, proving why he was one of the greatest forwards of his generation. Leading Liverpool, he played a crucial role in their First Division triumph, securing yet another English league title with his intelligence, technical brilliance, and ability to deliver in decisive moments. His link-up play with Ian Rush was devastating, as the duo tore through defenses with precision and flair.

Paulo Roberto Falcão, the eighth King of Rome, had a defining year in 1983, showcasing his tactical brilliance and midfield mastery. Playing for AS Roma, he was instrumental in their Serie A triumph, helping the club secure the Italian championship with his vision, passing, and ability to control the game. His elegance on the ball, combined with his intelligence and leadership, made him one of the most complete midfielders of his era. Falcão’s influence extended beyond club success, as he remained a key figure for the Brazilian national team, continuing to display his technical excellence on the international stage. His ability to dictate play, break down defenses, and contribute crucial goals reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. In 1983, he wasn’t just a star—he was a maestro at the peak of his powers.

In 1983, Sócrates was more than a footballer—he was a movement. On the pitch, he captained Corinthians to their second consecutive Campeonato Paulista title, orchestrating play with his trademark elegance, vision, and effortless technique. His tall, graceful frame and signature backheel passes made him instantly recognizable, but it was his intelligence—both footballing and political—that truly set him apart. That year, he was at the heart of the “Democracia Corinthiana”, a revolutionary player-led initiative that challenged Brazil’s military dictatorship by promoting democratic decision-making within the club. Players voted on everything—from training schedules to team policies—and even wore jerseys emblazoned with the word Democracia. Sócrates wasn’t just the face of this movement—he was its soul. His performances didn’t go unnoticed: in 1983, he was named South American Footballer of the Year, a testament to his influence both on and off the field. Whether threading passes through tight defenses or standing up for civil liberties, Sócrates made 1983 a year where football and freedom walked hand in hand. A true philosopher in boots.

Diego Maradona’s 1983 season was a mix of brilliance and frustration, as injuries and setbacks limited his time on the pitch. Playing for Barcelona, he was expected to dominate Spanish football, but a brutal ankle injury in September—caused by a reckless tackle from Andoni Goikoetxea of Athletic Bilbao—kept him sidelined for several months. The injury was so severe that it threatened his career, but Maradona’s resilience saw him return before the end of the season. Despite missing a significant portion of the campaign, he still managed to showcase his genius, helping Barcelona win the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España.

Zico, Brazil’s magical number 10, had a phenomenal year in 1983, proving why he was one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation. Leading Flamengo, he was the driving force behind their Campeonato Carioca triumph, dazzling fans with his vision, technical brilliance, and goal-scoring ability. His ability to dictate play, deliver pinpoint passes, and score from impossible angles made him a nightmare for defenders. That year also marked his move to Udinese, where he brought his attacking genius to Italian football. Despite joining a smaller club, his impact was immediate, as he showcased his ability to dominate games with his creativity and precision.

Michel Platini was the undisputed best player in the world in 1983, and to me, there was no debate. That year, he was at the prime of his powers, orchestrating play with effortless precision and delivering performances that left no doubt about his greatness. At Juventus, he was the driving force behind their success, leading the team to Serie A glory and securing the Coppa Italia. His ability to control the game, dictate the tempo, and score crucial goals made him the most complete footballer on the planet. Whether it was his pinpoint passing, his clinical finishing, or his masterful free kicks, Platini was simply untouchable.