My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1989

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1989. 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 1989, Gheorghe Hagi delivered a year that solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most electrifying playmakers. As the creative force behind Steaua Bucharest, he combined technical mastery, vision, and an innate ability to dictate the tempo of a match. His left foot was a weapon—capable of delivering pinpoint passes, curling free kicks, and thunderous strikes from distance. Hagi’s defining moment came in the European Cup, where he led Steaua to the final against the mighty AC Milan. Though the Romanian side fell short, his performances throughout the tournament showcased his ability to shine on the grandest stage. Domestically, he was unstoppable, guiding Steaua to another Divizia A title, proving his dominance in Romanian football. On the international stage, Hagi was the heartbeat of the Romanian national team, orchestrating attacks with his trademark flair and unpredictability. His ability to glide past defenders and create scoring opportunities made him indispensable, setting the foundation for Romania’s rise in the early 1990s. By the end of 1989, Hagi had cemented himself as a player destined for greatness. His performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, marking the beginning of his journey into European football’s elite. The “Maradona of the Carpathians” was no longer just a Romanian sensation—he was becoming a global icon.

In 1989, René Higuita continued to redefine the role of a goalkeeper, blending audacity, technical skill, and an unmatched flair for the dramatic. As the last line of defense for Atlético Nacional, he was more than just a shot-stopper—he was a playmaker, a risk-taker, and a showman. His ability to venture far beyond his penalty area, dribble past opponents, and initiate attacks made him one of the most unconventional keepers of his era. Higuita’s crowning achievement that year came in the Copa Libertadores, where he played a pivotal role in Atlético Nacional’s historic triumph. In the final against Olimpia, his heroics in the penalty shootout—saving four spot-kicks and converting one himself—secured the club’s first-ever continental title. His fearless approach and confidence under pressure cemented his reputation as a goalkeeper unlike any other.

In 1989, Andreas Brehme was a driving force behind Inter Milan’s dominance in Italian football. A versatile left-back with an exceptional ability to play with both feet, he combined defensive solidity with attacking prowess, making him one of the most complete players of his generation. Brehme’s crowning achievement that year was winning the Serie A title with Inter Milan, a triumph that marked the club’s first league championship in nearly a decade. His contributions were invaluable—whether delivering pinpoint crosses, scoring crucial goals, or maintaining defensive discipline. His ability to dictate the tempo from the back made him a key figure in Inter’s success.

In 1989, Bebeto established himself as one of South America’s most lethal forwards, blending agility, precision, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net. His movement off the ball, sharp finishing, and technical brilliance made him a nightmare for defenders, whether in club football or on the international stage. That year, Bebeto was instrumental in Vasco da Gama’s success, leading the attack with his trademark poise and clinical finishing. His performances helped Vasco secure the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title, reinforcing his status as one of Brazil’s finest strikers. On the international front, Bebeto was the standout performer in the 1989 Copa América, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. His contributions were vital in Brazil’s triumph, as they lifted the trophy for the first time in 40 years. His ability to deliver in crucial moments showcased his composure and big-game mentality. By the end of 1989, Bebeto had earned the prestigious South American Footballer of the Year award, a testament to his dominance and impact on the pitch. His performances that year set the stage for an illustrious career, culminating in his legendary partnership with Romário in the years to come.

In 1989, Hugo Sánchez continued his reign as one of the most prolific strikers in world football, dazzling fans with his acrobatic finishing and relentless goal-scoring ability. Leading the line for 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.

In 1989, Frank Rijkaard was a commanding presence in AC Milan’s midfield, blending tactical intelligence, physicality, and technical finesse. His ability to break up opposition attacks while seamlessly transitioning into playmaking made him an indispensable figure in Arrigo Sacchi’s legendary squad. That year, Rijkaard played a crucial role in Milan’s European Cup triumph, helping the club secure back-to-back titles. His composure under pressure, precise passing, and defensive awareness allowed Milan to dominate the continental stage. Whether shielding the backline or launching attacks, his versatility was a key asset. On the international front, Rijkaard remained a pillar for the Netherlands, continuing to build on the momentum of their Euro 1988 victory. His presence in midfield ensured stability and control, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete players.

In 1989, Romário was a relentless force in front of goal, dazzling with his sharp movement, clinical finishing, and instinctive ability to exploit space. His agility and technical brilliance made him one of the most feared strikers in world football. That year, Romário was the driving force behind PSV Eindhoven’s success, leading the Dutch club to the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup. His goal-scoring prowess was unmatched, as he continued to refine his ability to strike with precision in tight spaces. His performances in the Netherlands solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting forwards in Europe. On the international stage, Romário played a crucial role in Brazil’s Copa América triumph, forming a lethal partnership with Bebeto. His contributions were vital, as he found the net three times during the tournament. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments showcased his composure and big-game mentality.

In 1989, Franco Baresi was the backbone of AC Milan’s defense, 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 history, blending composure with an innate ability to read the game. That year, Baresi played a pivotal role in Milan’s European Cup triumph, guiding the team to continental glory with his impeccable positioning and commanding presence. His ability to neutralize world-class attackers while initiating play from the back made him indispensable to Arrigo Sacchi’s revolutionary system. On the international stage, Baresi remained a cornerstone of Italy’s national team, reinforcing his reputation as one of the finest defenders of his generation. His leadership and consistency ensured stability at the heart of the Azzurri’s backline.

In 1989, Diego Maradona was the heartbeat of Napoli, mesmerizing fans with his unmatched dribbling, vision, and ability to turn the impossible into reality. His leadership and brilliance on the pitch made him the driving force behind the club’s pursuit of glory. That year, Maradona spearheaded Napoli’s campaign in Serie A, delivering moments of magic that kept them in contention for the title. His ability to glide past defenders, orchestrate attacks, and score with precision made him indispensable. Though Napoli ultimately fell short in the league, his performances remained a testament to his genius. On the European stage, Maradona led Napoli in the UEFA Cup, showcasing his ability to shine against the continent’s best. His influence was undeniable, as he dictated play and provided crucial contributions throughout the tournament.

In 1989, Marco van Basten was simply untouchable. No player embodied dominance, elegance, and sheer goal-scoring brilliance quite like him. Leading AC Milan, he was the spearhead of a team that conquered Europe, winning the European Cup and cementing their place as the continent’s finest. Van Basten’s ability to glide past defenders, finish with precision, and dictate the tempo of a match made him the most complete forward of his generation. His performances in Serie A were nothing short of spectacular, as he finished among the league’s top scorers and played a crucial role in Milan’s success. No one else came close—he was simply the best with Maradona.