My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1988

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1988. 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 1988, Rinat Dasayev was in his second peak of his career, standing tall as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers. His sharp reflexes, commanding presence, and ability to read the game made him an indispensable figure for both Spartak Moscow and the Soviet Union national team. That year, Dasayev played a crucial role in Euro 1988, where the Soviet Union reached the final against the Netherlands. His performances throughout the tournament were exceptional, showcasing his ability to make decisive saves and organize the defense with authority. Though the Soviets fell short in the final, his contributions were widely recognized. Following his stellar displays, Dasayev made a significant move to Sevilla, marking the beginning of his tenure in Spanish football. His transition to La Liga was a testament to his reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his generation.

In 1988, Míchel González was a driving force in Real Madrid’s midfield, blending technical brilliance, vision, and an exceptional ability to dictate the rhythm of a match. His precise passing, intelligent movement, and knack for delivering pinpoint crosses made him a vital component 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.

In 1988, Oleksiy Mykhaylychenko may not have secured the Soviet Top League title, but his individual brilliance was undeniable. His ability to control midfield, dictate play, and contribute key moments made him one of Dynamo Kyiv’s most valuable players that year. One of his most significant achievements was winning the Soviet Footballer of the Year award, a testament to his influence and consistency throughout the season. His performances also earned him a place in the Soviet Union squad for Euro 1988, where he played a crucial role in their impressive run to the final. Though Dynamo Kyiv fell short in the league, Mykhaylychenko’s creativity and tactical intelligence ensured he remained a key figure in both club and international football.

That year, Rijkaard played a crucial role in Euro 1988, where the Netherlands secured their first-ever major international trophy. His presence in midfield provided balance and control, allowing the Dutch attack to flourish. His performances throughout the tournament reinforced his reputation as one of Europe’s finest midfielders. At the club level, Rijkaard spent part of the year with Real Zaragoza before moving to AC Milan, marking the beginning of his legendary tenure with the Italian giants.

In 1988, Hugo Sánchez was at the peak of his goal-scoring prowess, dazzling fans with his acrobatic finishing and relentless hunger for the back of the net. Leading Real Madrid, he was the focal point of an attack that dominated Spanish football, combining instinct, precision, and an unmatched ability to convert chances with flair. That year, Sánchez was instrumental in Real Madrid’s LaLiga triumph, securing yet another league title with his remarkable consistency in front of goal. 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. On the European stage, Sánchez played a key role in Real Madrid’s run to the European Cup semi-finals, where they faced PSV Eindhoven. His contributions throughout the tournament reinforced his reputation as one of the most feared strikers in world football.

In 1988, Franco Baresi was the defensive anchor of AC Milan, embodying leadership, tactical intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the club’s captain, he orchestrated one of the most formidable defensive units in football, blending composure with an innate ability to read the game. That year, Baresi played a pivotal role in Milan’s Serie A triumph, guiding the team to their first league title in nearly a decade. His ability to neutralize world-class attackers while initiating play from the back made him indispensable to Arrigo Sacchi’s revolutionary system. His defensive mastery ensured Milan conceded the fewest goals in the league, reinforcing their dominance. On the international stage, Baresi remained a cornerstone of Italy’s national team, continuing to establish himself as one of the finest defenders of his generation. His leadership and consistency ensured stability at the heart of the Azzurri’s backline.

In 1988, Ruud Gullit was the heartbeat of AC Milan and the inspirational leader of the Netherlands, showcasing his power, technical brilliance, and ability to dictate the flow of a match. His versatility allowed him to dominate both midfield and attack, making him one of the most complete players in world football. That year, Gullit played a pivotal role in Milan’s Serie A triumph, helping the club secure the league title with his dynamic presence and goal-scoring ability. His performances reinforced his status as one of the finest players in Italian football. On the international stage, Gullit captained the Netherlands to their historic Euro 1988 victory, lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy after leading his team to a 2-0 win over the Soviet Union in the final. His header opened the scoring, setting the stage for Marco van Basten’s legendary volley. His leadership and influence throughout the tournament were instrumental in securing the Netherlands’ first major international trophy.

In 1988, Marco van Basten overcame adversity to deliver one of the most extraordinary years in football history. Despite battling injuries early in the season, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most, proving why he was the most complete striker of his generation. His defining moment came in Euro 1988, where he led the Netherlands to their first-ever major international triumph. After missing much of the previous season due to ankle problems, Van Basten exploded onto the tournament stage, scoring a hat-trick against England, netting the dramatic late winner against West Germany in the semi-final, and delivering one of football’s most iconic goals—a breathtaking volley in the final against the Soviet Union. His five goals secured him the Golden Boot, and he was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. At club level, Van Basten played a crucial role in AC Milan’s Serie A title-winning campaign, helping the club reclaim domestic glory after nearly a decade. Though injuries limited his appearances, his impact was undeniable, showcasing his ability to score with precision and dominate the biggest matches.

In 1988, Ronald Koeman was a commanding presence in PSV Eindhoven’s midfield and defense, blending tactical intelligence, powerful shooting, and an ability to dictate the rhythm of a match. 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 historic treble, securing the Eredivisie title, the KNVB Cup, and most notably, the European Cup. His composure under pressure, precise passing, and ability to strike from distance were instrumental in PSV’s continental triumph. His leadership and influence ensured the Dutch club’s dominance across all competitions. On the international stage, Koeman was a key figure in the Netherlands’ Euro 1988 victory, playing a vital role in their historic triumph. His performances throughout the tournament were exceptional, and he scored a crucial penalty in the semi-final against West Germany, helping the Dutch reach the final. His contributions reinforced his reputation as one of Europe’s finest defenders.

In 1988, Diego Maradona was at the peak of his powers, delivering performances that transcended trophies. Though Napoli didn’t claim silverware that year, his sheer brilliance on the pitch made him the most electrifying player in world football. Maradona’s ability to dictate the tempo of a match, glide past defenders, and create moments of magic was unmatched. His performances in Serie A were mesmerizing—he scored crucial goals, orchestrated attacks, and carried Napoli with his leadership and technical mastery. Even without a league title, his influence was undeniable. On the European stage, Maradona led Napoli in the UEFA Cup, showcasing his ability to shine against the continent’s best. His vision, dribbling, and ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary made him the most feared player in any competition.