My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1999

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1999. 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 1999, Jaap Stam delivered an extraordinary calendar year, demonstrating his immense talent and influence at the heart of Manchester United’s defense. As a central defender, he combined physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and an ability to outmaneuver opponents, making him an irreplaceable pillar of the Red Devils. Stam’s performances in the Premier League were vital in Manchester United’s push for the title, where he asserted his presence with decisive interventions and remarkable defensive solidity, inspiring his teammates and contributing to a historic year for the club. One of the most defining moments of Stam’s year came in the Champions League, where he played a crucial role in Manchester United’s triumphant campaign, showing composure under pressure, exceptional reading of the game, and an ability to neutralize the most dangerous attackers, proving key elements in securing the club’s legendary treble. In the final against Bayern Munich, Stam was imperious in defense, helping United overturn the match in the dying minutes to win 2-1—an unforgettable moment etched in football history. The year 1999 confirmed Jaap Stam as one of the finest defenders of his generation, a player whose impact on the pitch went far beyond mere statistics, embodying the strength and determination of a Manchester United side at the peak of its dominance.

In 1999, Roy Keane delivered a season of immense leadership and tenacity, cementing his status as the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield. As captain, he embodied determination, tactical intelligence, and an unyielding will to win, making him an indispensable figure in the club’s historic treble-winning campaign. Keane’s performances in the Premier League were instrumental in United’s dominance, as he dictated the tempo of matches with his relentless energy, precise passing, and fierce tackling, inspiring his teammates to push beyond their limits. His defining moment came in the Champions League semi-final against Juventus, where, despite knowing he would miss the final due to suspension, he produced a heroic display, scoring a crucial goal and driving his team to a stunning comeback victory. Though absent from the final, his influence was undeniable, as United triumphed over Bayern Munich to complete an unprecedented treble. The year 1999 solidified Keane’s legacy as one of football’s greatest leaders, a player whose impact transcended statistics and whose sheer force of will propelled Manchester United to the pinnacle of European football.

In 1999, Dwight Yorke delivered a season of dazzling brilliance, establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in world football and a key figure in Manchester United’s historic treble-winning campaign. His partnership with Andy Cole was electric, as the duo tormented defenses with their fluid movement, sharp finishing, and telepathic understanding. Yorke’s performances in the Premier League were instrumental in United’s dominance, as he finished as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals, showcasing his ability to score in crucial moments and lead the attack with confidence. His impact extended to the Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in United’s journey to glory, scoring vital goals and delivering standout performances, including a mesmerizing display against Juventus in the semi-finals. In the final against Bayern Munich, Yorke’s presence kept the opposition defense on edge, contributing to United’s dramatic late comeback to secure the trophy. The year 1999 cemented Yorke’s legacy as one of Manchester United’s greatest strikers, a player whose flair, composure, and instinctive finishing helped propel the club to an unforgettable treble triumph.

In 1999, Juan Sebastián Verón established himself as one of the finest midfielders in world football, playing a crucial role in Lazio’s Serie A and Coppa Italia double while also securing the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) with Parma. His tactical intelligence, vision, and passing ability made him indispensable, dictating play and orchestrating attacks with precision. Verón’s impact was felt across multiple competitions, as he helped Lazio triumph in the European Super Cup against Manchester United and played a pivotal role in Parma’s UEFA Cup victory, showcasing his ability to shine on the continental stage. His performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as a midfield maestro, blending technical brilliance with leadership to guide his teams to historic triumphs.

In 1999, Lothar Matthäus continued to showcase his leadership and versatility, playing a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s domestic and European campaigns. Despite being 38 years old, he was voted German Footballer of the Year, highlighting his enduring influence on the game. Matthäus helped Bayern reach the UEFA Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Manchester United in dramatic fashion. His ability to control the midfield and adapt to a deeper defensive role made him invaluable throughout the season. Though the Champions League trophy eluded him, his performances reinforced his status as one of football’s greatest midfielders, blending tactical intelligence with technical excellence to remain a dominant force in European football.

In 1999, Raúl González Blanco solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific forwards in world football, finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals. His ability to deliver in crucial moments made him indispensable to Real Madrid, helping them secure second place in La Liga and remain competitive in Europe. Raúl’s leadership and consistency earned him the Spanish Footballer of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the best players of his generation. His performances throughout the year showcased his technical brilliance, instinctive finishing, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 1999, Luís Figo was a standout performer for Barcelona, playing a crucial role in their La Liga title-winning campaign. His dribbling, vision, and leadership made him the driving force behind Barça’s attack, contributing 12 goals and numerous assists throughout the season. Figo’s ability to create chances and dictate play earned him the La Liga Best Foreign Player award, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s finest wingers. His performances throughout the year showcased his technical brilliance and consistency, helping Barcelona maintain their dominance in Spanish football.

In 1999, Andriy Shevchenko was a dominant force in European football, leading Dynamo Kyiv to their Ukrainian Premier League title and finishing as the league’s top scorer. His performances in the UEFA Champions League were outstanding, as he netted eight goals, helping Dynamo Kyiv reach the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Bayern Munich. His remarkable form earned him a high-profile transfer to AC Milan in the summer, where he quickly adapted to Italian football, scoring crucial goals in the early months of the 1999–2000 Serie A season. Shevchenko’s blend of pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers in world football, setting the stage for his legendary career.

In 1999, David Beckham was a key figure in Manchester United’s historic treble-winning campaign, showcasing his exceptional passing, vision, and set-piece mastery. His precise crosses and free kicks were instrumental in United’s Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League triumphs, making him one of the most influential midfielders in world football. Beckham’s standout performances included his crucial assists in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, where United staged a dramatic late comeback to secure the trophy. His consistency and leadership throughout the year earned him widespread recognition, reinforcing his status as one of the best players of his generation.

In 1999, Rivaldo was at the peak of his powers, delivering a sensational year that earned him both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Playing for Barcelona and Brazil, he was the driving force behind their La Liga title, showcasing his brilliance with 40 goals and 21 assists across all competitions. His technical mastery, creativity, and ability to score from impossible angles made him a nightmare for defenders. On the international stage, Rivaldo led Brazil to Copa América glory, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and proving his dominance on the global stage. His ability to dictate games, produce moments of magic, and deliver in crucial matches made him the standout player of the year, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest attacking midfielders.