My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1987

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1987. 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 1987, Enzo Francescoli was at the peak of his creative brilliance, dazzling fans with his elegant dribbling, precise passing, and ability to dictate the flow of a match. His technical mastery and vision made him one of the most captivating playmakers in South American football. That year, Francescoli played a crucial role in Uruguay’s Copa América triumph, helping his nation secure the continental title. His ability to control midfield, create scoring opportunities, and deliver in high-pressure moments reinforced his reputation as one of the finest players of his generation. At club level, Francescoli was a standout performer for Matra Racing, showcasing his ability to adapt to European football. Though the club didn’t contend for major silverware, his individual brilliance was undeniable, as he continued to mesmerize with his skill and intelligence on the ball.

In 1987, Carlos Valderrama was at the heart of Colombian football, dazzling fans with his exceptional vision, precise passing, and effortless control of the game. His ability to dictate play and orchestrate attacks made him one of the most influential midfielders in South America. That year, Valderrama was instrumental in Colombia’s Copa América campaign, leading the team to a respectable third-place finish. His performances throughout the tournament showcased his ability to control the tempo, create chances, and bring a unique flair to the game. His leadership and technical brilliance earned him widespread recognition. At club level, Valderrama was a standout performer for Deportivo Cali, continuing to refine his playmaking abilities. His ability to unlock defenses and provide decisive assists reinforced his reputation as one of the most creative midfielders of his generation.

In 1987, Marco van Basten was on the brink of greatness, showcasing his immense talent despite battling injuries. His technical brilliance, instinctive finishing, and ability to read the game made it clear that he was destined for footballing immortality. That year, Van Basten played a crucial role in Ajax’s UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Lokomotive Leipzig. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments reinforced his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising strikers. At the international level, Van Basten continued to establish himself as a key figure for the Netherlands, despite missing several matches due to ankle problems. His presence in the squad hinted at the impact he would soon have on the global stage.

In 1987, Emilio Butragueño was the attacking heartbeat of Real Madrid, dazzling fans with his sharp movement, clinical finishing, and ability to create chances out of nothing. His intelligence on the pitch, combined with his instinctive goal-scoring ability, made him one of the most feared forwards in European football. That year, Butragueño played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s LaLiga triumph, helping the club secure yet another domestic title. His ability to find space, link up with teammates, and deliver decisive goals reinforced his status as one of Spain’s finest strikers. His performances were a testament to his consistency and footballing intelligence. On the international stage, Butragueño remained a key figure for Spain, bringing creativity and composure to the national team. His presence ensured fluidity in attack, making him an indispensable asset in their tactical setup.

In 1987, Ronald Koeman was a dominant force in PSV Eindhoven’s midfield and defense, showcasing his powerful shooting, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the game. His versatility allowed him to excel as both a deep-lying playmaker and a goal-scoring defender, making him one of the most complete players in European football. That year, Koeman played a crucial role in PSV’s Eredivisie triumph, helping the club secure the Dutch league title. His ability to dictate play, deliver pinpoint passes, and strike from distance made him an invaluable asset. His performances reinforced his reputation as one of the finest Dutch footballers of his generation. On the international stage, Koeman remained a key figure for the Netherlands, continuing to establish himself as a leader in their defensive and midfield setup. His presence ensured stability and control, making him an indispensable part of the national team.

In 1987, Míchel González was a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield, showcasing his technical brilliance, vision, and ability to dictate the rhythm of a match. His precise passing, intelligent movement, and knack for delivering pinpoint crosses made him an essential part of Madrid’s attacking play. That year, Míchel played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s LaLiga triumph, helping the club secure yet another domestic title. His ability to link midfield and attack, combined with his goal-scoring contributions, reinforced his status as one of Spain’s finest playmakers. His performances were a testament to his consistency and footballing intelligence. On the international stage, Míchel remained a key figure for Spain, bringing creativity and composure to the national team. His presence ensured fluidity in midfield, making him an indispensable asset in their tactical setup.

In 1987, Hugo Sánchez was an unstoppable force in front of goal, delivering one of the most prolific seasons of his career. His sharp movement, instinctive finishing, and acrobatic strikes made him the most feared striker in LaLiga. That year, Sánchez was instrumental in Real Madrid’s LaLiga triumph, securing yet another league title with his remarkable consistency. His ability to score from seemingly impossible angles, coupled with his trademark bicycle kicks, made him a nightmare for defenders. He finished the season as LaLiga’s top scorer, claiming the prestigious Pichichi Trophy once again.

In 1987, Paulo Futre was pure magic on the pitch, a player whose elegance, speed, and technical mastery made him one of the most mesmerizing footballers to watch. His dribbling was effortless, his movement unpredictable, and his ability to glide past defenders was nothing short of breathtaking. That year, Futre was the driving force behind FC Porto’s European Cup triumph, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the final against Bayern Munich. His creativity, vision, and relentless attacking play ensured Porto’s historic victory, cementing his status as one of the finest wingers of his generation. His brilliance earned him the Portuguese Footballer of the Year award, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most electrifying talents in world football. His ability to combine flair with effectiveness made him a true spectacle—one of those rare players who could make football feel like art.

In 1987, Ruud Gullit was at the peak of his powers, delivering a year that cemented his status as one of the most complete footballers of his generation. His blend of technical brilliance, physical dominance, and leadership made him the defining figure in European football. That year, Gullit was instrumental in PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie triumph, helping the club retain the Dutch league title with his remarkable consistency. His ability to dictate play, score crucial goals, and seamlessly transition between midfield and attack made him an unstoppable force. He finished the year with 23 goals in 42 games, an astonishing return for a player who wasn’t an out-and-out striker. His performances earned him a record-breaking transfer to AC Milan, where he would go on to redefine the role of an attacking midfielder in Serie A. His impact was immediate, as he adapted to the more tactical and defensively disciplined Italian league while maintaining his attacking prowess.

In 1987, Diego Maradona was football in its purest form—an artist, a magician, a force of nature. He didn’t need silverware to prove his greatness; his sheer brilliance on the pitch was enough. Every touch, every dribble, every pass carried an elegance that no one else could replicate. That year, he was the heartbeat of Napoli, leading them with unmatched skill and vision. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances out of nothing, and dictate the rhythm of a match was mesmerizing. Even when the team fell short of major trophies, Maradona’s performances were beyond comparison. He wasn’t just playing football—he was redefining it. His influence extended beyond club football. Every time he stepped onto the pitch, he carried the weight of expectation, and yet, he delivered moments of genius that left the world in awe. His leadership, his passion, his ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary made him the most captivating player of the year.