My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1986

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).

Jan Ceulemans, Belgium’s fearless midfield general, had a standout year in 1986, leading his nation to their best-ever World Cup finish at the time. As captain, he was the driving force behind Belgium’s thrilling run to fourth place in Mexico, showcasing his leadership and knack for scoring in crucial moments. His most iconic performance came in the Round of 16 against the USSR, where he netted a vital goal in a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory. Throughout the tournament, Ceulemans was a tireless presence, combining physicality with technical finesse to dictate play. Domestically, he continued to be the heartbeat of Club Brugge, maintaining his high standards in the Belgian league. His unwavering commitment to his club and country, coupled with his ability to rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stage, cemented his status as one of Belgium’s all-time greats.

Hugo Sánchez, the Pentapichichi, was at the peak of his powers in 1986, dazzling fans with his acrobatic strikes and ruthless finishing. Leading Real Madrid, he secured the La Liga title, playing a crucial role in their dominance. His 22 league goals earned him the Pichichi Trophy, marking his second consecutive top-scorer award in Spain. Sánchez’s ability to score from impossible angles, combined with his signature bicycle kicks, made him one of the most feared strikers in the world. On the international stage, he was a key figure for Mexico at the 1986 World Cup, hosted on home soil. Though he didn’t find the net, his presence and movement helped Mexico reach the quarter-finals, their best finish at the time. His performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as one of the greatest Mexican footballers ever, blending flair, precision, and an unrelenting hunger for goals.

Manuel Amoros, France’s dynamic full-back, was a pillar of consistency and class throughout 1986, playing a crucial role in both club and country. At AS Monaco, he remained a defensive stalwart, blending tactical intelligence with attacking flair. His ability to surge forward and deliver pinpoint crosses made him invaluable. But it was on the international stage where Amoros truly shined. At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, he was a key figure in France’s run to the semi-finals, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure. His leadership at the back helped Les Bleus navigate a grueling tournament, culminating in a third-place finish. Amoros’ performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as one of the finest defenders of his generation, combining elegance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the game.

Careca, Brazil’s clinical finisher, had a standout year in 1986, proving himself as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. Leading São Paulo, he guided the club to the Brazilian Championship title, showcasing his sharp instincts and technical brilliance. His performances earned him the prestigious Bola de Ouro, recognizing him as the best player in Brazil. On the international stage, Careca was a key figure for Brazil at the 1986 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest scorer with five goals, behind England’s Gary Lineker. His most memorable moment came in the quarter-final against France, where he opened the scoring in a tense battle, though Brazil ultimately fell in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Ian Rush, Liverpool’s legendary goal machine, had a defining year in 1986, showcasing his lethal finishing and relentless work ethic. Leading the Reds’ attack, he played a crucial role in their First Division title triumph, securing his fourth league championship with the club. His ability to find the net in high-pressure moments was unmatched, and his partnership with Kenny Dalglish remained one of the most feared in football. Rush’s crowning moment came in the FA Cup final, where he scored twice against Everton, sealing a historic double for Liverpool. His performances throughout the year cemented his reputation as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. Though he moved to Juventus later in 1986, his impact at Liverpool remained undeniable, with his instinctive finishing and tireless pressing defining an era of dominance at Anfield.

Marco van Basten, the Dutch maestro, was at the peak of his goal-scoring prowess in 1986, dazzling fans with his technical brilliance and instinctive finishing. Leading Ajax Amsterdam, he dominated the Eredivisie, securing the Dutch league title while finishing as the league’s top scorer with an astonishing 37 goals. His ability to glide past defenders with elegance and strike with precision made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe. One of his most iconic moments came in November 1986, when he scored a breathtaking bicycle kick against Den Bosch, a goal he later described as one of his finest.

Gary Lineker, England’s Golden Boot winner, had a phenomenal year in 1986, cementing his status as one of the world’s most clinical strikers. His crowning achievement came at the World Cup in Mexico, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, earning the prestigious Golden Boot. His hat-trick against Poland in the group stage was a masterclass in poaching, while his brace against Paraguay helped England advance to the quarter-finals. Even in defeat against Argentina, Lineker found the net, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Domestically, he was a force at Everton, finishing the 1985-86 season as the First Division’s top scorer with 30 goals, before making a high-profile move to Barcelona in the summer. His performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as one of England’s greatest-ever strikers, blending intelligence, precision, and an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time.

Aleksandr Zavarov, the Soviet midfield maestro, had a stellar year in 1986, showcasing his technical brilliance and playmaking prowess. As a key figure for Dynamo Kyiv, he played an instrumental role in their Soviet Top League triumph, helping the club secure the domestic title. His crowning achievement came in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, where he guided Dynamo to victory, scoring in the final against Atlético Madrid and cementing his status as one of the USSR’s finest talents. His performances earned him the Soviet Footballer of the Year award, and he finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, a testament to his influence on the global stage. Zavarov’s ability to dictate play, glide past defenders, and deliver decisive moments made him a standout performer throughout 1986.

Igor Belanov, the Soviet Union’s Ballon d’Or winner, had a remarkable year in 1986, showcasing his explosive pace and clinical finishing. Leading Dynamo Kyiv, he played a pivotal role in their Soviet Top League triumph, helping the club dominate domestically. His crowning achievement came in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, where he was instrumental in Dynamo’s 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in the final, securing continental glory. On the international stage, Belanov was a standout performer at the 1986 World Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Belgium in a thrilling 4-3 extra-time defeat in the Round of 16.

Diego Maradona, the magician of Mexico ‘86, had a year that defined footballing greatness. Leading Argentina, he delivered one of the most legendary individual performances in World Cup history, guiding his nation to glory. His five goals and five assists showcased his genius, but it was his quarter-final against England that cemented his legacy. In that match, he scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal, followed by the breathtaking "Goal of the Century", dribbling past five defenders in a mesmerizing solo run. In the final against West Germany, Maradona provided the decisive assist for Jorge Burruchaga’s winner, sealing Argentina’s second World Cup title. At Napoli, he continued to mesmerize, leading the club to a third-place finish in Serie A, setting the stage for their historic triumphs in the years to come. His 1986 exploits remain the gold standard for individual brilliance on football’s biggest stage.