My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1984

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1986. 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).

Alain Giresse, France’s midfield maestro, had a spectacular year in 1984, playing a pivotal role in one of the greatest triumphs in French football history. As a key figure in the French national team, he was instrumental in their Euro 1984 victory, forming part of the legendary Carré Magique alongside Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, and Luis Fernandez. His ability to control the tempo, deliver precise passes, and contribute crucial goals made him indispensable. At Girondins de Bordeaux, Giresse continued to shine, helping the club secure the French league title, marking a dominant domestic campaign. His technical brilliance, vision, and leadership throughout the year solidified his reputation as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, making 1984 a defining chapter in his illustrious career.

Dalglish had a fantastic year, continuing to be the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack. His intelligence, technical brilliance, and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him indispensable. That season, he played a key role in Liverpool’s First Division triumph, helping the club secure yet another league title. His link-up play with Ian Rush was devastating, as the duo tormented defenses across England. Beyond domestic success, Dalglish also contributed to Liverpool’s League Cup victory, adding another trophy to his already illustrious career. His composure, vision, and ability to create and score goals reinforced his reputation as one of the greatest players in British football history. In 1984, he wasn’t just a star—he was Liverpool’s beating heart.

Enzo Francescoli, Uruguay’s elegant playmaker, had a brilliant year in 1984, showcasing his technical brilliance and attacking prowess. Leading River Plate, he was instrumental in their Argentine league triumph, securing the Metropolitano Championship with his creativity and goal-scoring ability. His performances earned him the top scorer title, netting 24 goals, a testament to his clinical finishing and intelligent movement. Francescoli’s ability to glide past defenders, dictate play, and deliver decisive moments made him one of the most exciting players in South American football. His influence extended to the Uruguayan national team, where he continued to shine, reinforcing his reputation as one of the finest talents of his generation.

Graeme Souness, the midfield enforcer, had a commanding year in 1984, showcasing his leadership, tenacity, and technical brilliance. As Liverpool’s captain, he led the club to European Cup glory, securing their fourth title with a hard-fought victory over Roma in the final. His ability to control the midfield, dictate play, and impose his physical presence made him a nightmare for opponents. That year also marked a significant transition in his career, as he moved to Sampdoria, bringing his winning mentality to Italian football. His performances throughout 1984 solidified his reputation as one of the most dominant midfielders of his generation, blending aggression, intelligence, and an unrelenting drive to win.

Diego Maradona, the Argentine genius, had a turbulent yet brilliant year in 1984, showcasing his unmatched skill and flair. At Barcelona, he dazzled with moments of brilliance, but his time in Spain ended in controversy. His final match for the club, the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, descended into chaos, with Maradona at the center of a massive brawl that shocked Spanish football. Following his departure from Barcelona, Maradona made a historic move to Napoli, where he was welcomed as a savior. His arrival in Italy marked the beginning of a legendary chapter, as he prepared to transform the club into a powerhouse. Though Napoli finished eighth in Serie A, Maradona’s individual performances hinted at the greatness to come.

Ruud Gullit, the Dutch dynamo, had an exceptional year in 1984, showcasing his versatility and brilliance across multiple positions. Playing for Feyenoord, he was a key figure in their Eredivisie triumph, helping the club secure the Dutch league title. What made Gullit stand out was his ability to excel in various roles—whether as an attacking midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or even as a forward, he adapted seamlessly to the needs of the team. His combination of strength, technical skill, and tactical intelligence made him one of the most complete players in Europe. Gullit’s performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as a footballer who could dominate games from anywhere on the pitch, setting the stage for his rise to global superstardom.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Germany’s clinical finisher, had a strong year in 1984, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and leadership. Playing for Bayern Munich, he was instrumental in their second-place finish in the Bundesliga, delivering decisive performances and finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals. His ability to find space, strike with precision, and lead the attack made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe.

Ian Rush, Liverpool’s goal-scoring machine, had an unforgettable year in 1984, cementing his status as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. Leading Liverpool, he played a crucial role in their First Division triumph, securing the English league title with his sharp finishing and intelligent movement. His ability to find the net with precision, combined with his instinctive positioning, made him a nightmare for defenders. Rush’s dominance extended beyond domestic success, as he was instrumental in Liverpool’s European Cup victory, helping the club secure their fourth title with a hard-fought win over Roma.

Jean Tigana was the heartbeat of France’s midfield in 1984, a relentless force who combined elegance with tireless energy. He wasn’t just a playmaker—he was the engine that kept the team moving, always looking for space, always pushing forward. His defining moment came in the Euro 1984 semi-final against Portugal, where he made a lung-bursting run in the dying seconds of extra time to set up Michel Platini’s winning goal. That single play summed up Tigana—determined, intelligent, and utterly fearless. At Bordeaux, he was just as influential, helping the club secure the French league title with his precise passing and ability to control the tempo. He wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was the one who made everything click, the glue that held the team together. Whether for club or country, Tigana’s 1984 was a masterclass in midfield dominance, proving that football isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart, and he had plenty of it.

Michel Platini was untouchable in 1984, delivering a year of footballing brilliance that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest playmakers of all time. His performances at Euro 1984 were nothing short of legendary—he scored nine goals in five matches, an astonishing feat for a midfielder, and led France to their first-ever major international trophy. No player has ever dominated a European Championship like Platini did that summer. What made his campaign so special wasn’t just the numbers—it was the way he played. Platini dictated the tempo, orchestrated attacks with effortless precision, and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most. His hat-trick against Belgium, his last-minute winner against Portugal in the semi-final, and his opening goal in the final against Spain were moments of pure footballing genius. He wasn’t just the best player of the tournament—he was on a different level from everyone else. At Juventus, he continued his dominance, guiding the club to Serie A and securing European silverware with victories in the Cup Winners’ Cup. His ability to control games, score decisive goals, and elevate his teammates made him the most complete footballer in the world that year. In 1984, Platini wasn’t just the best—he was untouchable, delivering one of the greatest individual seasons in football history.