My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2013

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2013. 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 2013, Robin van Persie continued to showcase his elite finishing and leadership, proving why he was one of the most clinical strikers in world football. Leading Manchester United, he played a crucial role in their Premier League title-winning campaign, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 26 league goals. His defining moment came against Aston Villa, where he scored a stunning hat-trick, including a breathtaking volley from Wayne Rooney’s long pass, sealing United’s 20th league title. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, combined with his technical mastery and intelligent movement, made 2013 another standout year in his illustrious career.

In 2013, Andrea Pirlo continued to showcase his midfield mastery, proving why he was one of the most intelligent and elegant playmakers in world football. Leading Juventus, he played a crucial role in their Serie A title-winning campaign, dictating the tempo with his precise passing, vision, and tactical awareness. His ability to control games, deliver pinpoint assists, and perform under pressure made him indispensable. Pirlo’s influence extended to the Confederations Cup, where he led Italy to a third-place finish, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. His combination of composure, technical brilliance, and leadership made 2013 another standout year in his illustrious career.

In 2013, Gareth Bale delivered a year of sheer brilliance, proving why he was one of the most explosive and dynamic players in world football. Leading Tottenham Hotspur, he finished as the Premier League’s top scorer with 21 goals, carrying his team with his breathtaking pace, powerful strikes, and ability to decide matches single-handedly. His performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as the best player in England that season. His ability to shine in high-pressure moments, combined with his technical mastery and athleticism, made 2013 a landmark year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most electrifying players of his generation.

In 2013, Andrés Iniesta continued to showcase his midfield brilliance, proving why he was one of the most intelligent and technically gifted players in world football. Leading Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their La Liga-winning campaign, dictating the tempo with his precise passing, vision, and ability to unlock defenses. His performances extended to the Confederations Cup, where he led Spain to the final, dazzling with his dribbling and playmaking. Iniesta’s ability to control games, deliver in high-pressure moments, and elevate his team made 2013 another standout year in his illustrious career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most elegant midfielders of his generation.

In 2013, Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a year of sheer dominance, proving why he was one of the most unstoppable forwards in world football. Leading Paris Saint-Germain, he finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer with 30 goals, guiding PSG to their first league title in 19 years. His ability to combine power, technique, and audacity made him a nightmare for defenders. In the Champions League, he contributed three goals and seven assists, showcasing his playmaking ability alongside his lethal finishing. His defining moment came in Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers, where he scored eight goals, including a stunning brace against Germany in a dramatic 4-4 draw. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, combined with his leadership and flair, made 2013 a landmark year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most unique and dominant strikers of his generation.

In 2013, Neymar delivered a year of dazzling performances, proving why he was one of the most electrifying talents in world football. Making his highly anticipated move to Barcelona, he quickly adapted to European football, showcasing his flair, creativity, and decisive finishing. He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s attack, contributing 15 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His ability to rise in high-pressure moments was evident in the Champions League, where he scored four goals and provided five assists. On the international stage, Neymar led Brazil to victory in the Confederations Cup, delivering standout performances and winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His combination of skill, vision, and leadership made 2013 a landmark year in his career, reinforcing his status as one of the most dynamic players in world football.

In 2013, Arjen Robben delivered a year of redemption and brilliance, proving why he was one of the most decisive players in world football. His defining moment came in the Champions League final, where he scored the winning goal in the 89th minute against Borussia Dortmund, securing Bayern Munich’s historic treble. His ability to rise in high-pressure moments, combined with his blistering pace, technical mastery, and clutch performances, made 2013 a landmark year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most electrifying wingers in football history.

In 2013, Lionel Messi continued to showcase his brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete players in world football. Leading Barcelona, he finished the year with 45 goals and 16 assists across all competitions. His ability to dictate play, score spectacular goals, and create chances made him indispensable. In La Liga, he contributed 46 goals in 32 matches, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent scorers. His performances extended to the Champions League, where he delivered crucial goals and assists, reinforcing his status as a game-changer. Despite injuries affecting parts of his season, Messi’s technical mastery, vision, and leadership ensured that 2013 remained a standout year in his illustrious career.

In 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of absolute dominance, proving why he was the most unstoppable force in world football. He finished the year with an astonishing 69 goals in 59 matches, showcasing his relentless drive, explosive speed, and clinical finishing. His performances in La Liga were exceptional, scoring 31 goals in 30 matches, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent scorers. He also played a crucial role in Portugal’s World Cup qualification, scoring a stunning hat-trick against Sweden in the playoffs, single-handedly securing his nation’s place in the tournament. His ability to rise in high-pressure moments, combined with his leadership and consistency, made 2013 a landmark year in his legendary career.  

In 2013, Franck Ribéry delivered a year of absolute brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete and influential players in world football. Leading Bayern Munich, he played a pivotal role in their historic treble, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League, cementing his status as one of the most dominant wingers of his generation. His ability to combine dribbling, vision, and defensive work rate made him indispensable to Bayern’s success.

Throughout the Bundesliga season, Ribéry was a constant threat, contributing 10 goals and 12 assists, showcasing his ability to both score and create chances. His performances in the Champions League were equally impressive, where he played a crucial role in Bayern’s triumph, delivering three goals and two assists. His defining moment came in the Champions League final, where he assisted the winning goal, proving his ability to rise in the biggest moments.

Beyond his attacking prowess, Ribéry’s defensive contributions were remarkable. He was one of the most hardworking wingers, tracking back to support his team and winning crucial duels. His ability to dictate play, create opportunities, and influence matches made 2013 the best year in his career, reinforcing why he was the best player in the world that year in my eyes.