My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2009

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2010. 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 2009, Cesc Fàbregas delivered a year of midfield brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete playmakers in world football despite not winning silverware. He was the heartbeat of Arsenal, dictating play with his vision, passing, and ability to control games, finishing the year with 18 goals and 27 assists, an incredible tally for a midfielder. Even when injuries threatened to derail his momentum, he continued to shine, delivering clutch performances, including his legendary cameo against Aston Villa, where he scored twice before being forced off due to a hamstring issue. Beyond his individual numbers, what made Fàbregas special in 2009 was his ability to carry Arsenal’s young squad almost single-handedly at times, seamlessly linking up play and dominating midfields with his passing range and intelligence. His combination of technical mastery, leadership, and resilience reinforced his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

In 2009, Frank Lampard delivered a year of midfield excellence, proving why he was one of the most complete and consistent players in world football. Leading Chelsea, he played a crucial role in their FA Cup-winning campaign, showcasing his ability to dictate play, score crucial goals, and provide leadership in the heart of midfield. His defining moment came in the FA Cup final against Everton, where he scored a stunning long-range winner, securing Chelsea’s triumph. In the Premier League, Lampard was instrumental, finishing the year with 23 goals and 21 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute both creatively and as a goal-scoring threat. His performances in the Champions League were equally impressive, where he played a key role in Chelsea’s deep run in the competition. His combination of intelligence, technical mastery, and leadership made 2009 a standout year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

In 2009, Fernando Torres delivered a year of pure attacking brilliance, proving why he was one of the most electrifying strikers in world football. Leading Liverpool, he was unstoppable, combining blistering pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement to torment defenders. His defining moments came in Premier League clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United, where he scored decisive goals that showcased his ability to rise in high-pressure matches. His performances in the Champions League, including a standout display against Real Madrid, further cemented his reputation as one of the most feared forwards in Europe. Whether gliding past defenders or producing moments of magic with his finishing, 2009 was a year where Torres was at the peak of his powers, mesmerizing fans with his sheer brilliance.

In 2009, Wayne Rooney delivered a year of relentless brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete forwards in world football. Leading Manchester United, he was instrumental in their Premier League and League Cup-winning campaign, showcasing his ability to score, create, and lead from the front. His defining moment came in key clashes against Arsenal and Manchester City, where his decisive goals highlighted his ability to rise in high-pressure matches. Rooney finished the year with 26 goals in the Premier League, demonstrating his consistency and influence on the pitch. His performances in the Champions League were equally impressive, where he played a key role in United’s deep run in the competition. His combination of intelligence, technical mastery, and leadership made 2009 a standout year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best forwards of his generation.

In 2009, Kaká illuminated the FIFA Confederations Cup with his mastery of the game, proving why he was one of the most complete attacking midfielders in world football. Leading Brazil, he was instrumental in their title-winning campaign, showcasing his dribbling, vision, and ability to dictate play. His defining moment came in the final against the United States, where he orchestrated Brazil’s comeback from 2-0 down, playing a crucial role in their 3-2 victory. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances, and deliver in high-pressure moments made him the heartbeat of Brazil’s attack. His performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball, cementing his status as the best player of the competition.

In 2009, Samuel Eto’o was a key figure in Barcelona’s historic sextuple, proving his adaptability and relentless drive. While traditionally a central striker, he embraced a more dynamic role under Pep Guardiola, often drifting wide to accommodate the fluid attacking system alongside Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry. His defining moment came in the Champions League final against Manchester United, where he scored the opening goal, setting the tone for Barcelona’s dominance. Eto’o finished the season with 36 goals, playing a crucial role in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League triumphs. His ability to sacrifice personal glory for the collective, pressing tirelessly and linking up play, made him an indispensable part of Barcelona’s legendary 2009 squad. You can check out some of his best goals here and his Champions League final goal here.

In 2009, Andrés Iniesta delivered a year of pure footballing artistry, proving why he was one of the most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders in the world. His defining moment came in the Champions League semifinal against Chelsea, where he scored a dramatic last-minute equalizer, sending Barcelona to the final and breaking Chelsea’s hearts. His ability to dictate play, maintain composure under pressure, and deliver game-changing moments made him the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield throughout the year. Beyond his clutch performances, Iniesta was instrumental in Barcelona’s historic sextuple, seamlessly linking up with Xavi and Messi to orchestrate their possession-based dominance. His combination of intelligence, technical mastery, and clutch performances made 2009 a career-defining year, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most elegant midfielders of his generation.

In 2009, Xavi Hernández orchestrated Barcelona’s midfield with unmatched precision, proving why he was one of the most intelligent and technically gifted playmakers in world football. His defining moment came in the Champions League final against Manchester United, where he delivered a flawless assist for Lionel Messi’s iconic header, cementing Barcelona’s dominance. Throughout the year, Xavi was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s historic sextuple, dictating play with his vision, passing, and ability to control games. His performances in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League were nothing short of masterful, earning him recognition as one of the best midfielders in the world. His ability to maintain composure under pressure, create chances, and dictate the rhythm of matches made 2009 a career-defining year, reinforcing his reputation as Barcelona’s ultimate maestro.

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of transition and brilliance, proving why he was one of the most dominant forces in world football. Moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer, he quickly adapted to La Liga, finishing the year with 30 goals in all competitions. His defining moments came in the Champions League, where he showcased his ability to rise in high-pressure matches, scoring crucial goals for Madrid. Despite injuries affecting parts of his season, Ronaldo’s explosive pace, technical mastery, and relentless drive made him a standout performer. His ability to seamlessly transition between leagues while maintaining his goal-scoring prowess reinforced his reputation as one of the best players in the world at the time.

In 2009, Lionel Messi ascended to football’s throne, proving beyond doubt that he was the best player in the world and marking the beginning of his era of total domination. Leading Barcelona, he orchestrated their historic sextuple, dazzling with his dribbling, vision, and unmatched goal-scoring ability. His defining moment came in the Champions League final against Manchester United, where he scored a sublime header to seal Barcelona’s triumph. Messi finished the year with 41 goals and 16 assists, cementing his status as football’s ultimate game-changer. His performances earned him his first Ballon d’Or, kicking off a dynasty where he would reign over the sport for more than a decade, rewriting history with every touch of the ball.

Messi’s rise in 2009 wasn’t just about numbers—it was about the way he played, the effortless genius with which he glided past defenders, the intelligence in every movement, and the inevitability that, every time he touched the ball, something special would happen. It was the year football had to accept that the sport’s greatest magician had arrived, and he was here to rule.