My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2016

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2016. 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 2016, Riyad Mahrez delivered a year of extraordinary performances that cemented his status as one of the most influential players in football. As a key figure in Leicester City's historic Premier League triumph, he played a pivotal role in their unexpected title-winning campaign, dazzling fans with his creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. His brilliance was recognized as he became the first African player to win the PFA Player of the Year award, a testament to his impact on English football. Mahrez's influence extended beyond club success, as he was also named African Footballer of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the continent’s finest talents. For Mahrez, 2016 was a defining year that showcased his skill, vision, and ability to shine on the biggest stage

In 2016, Pepe delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his defensive mastery and leadership. As a key figure for Real Madrid, he played a crucial role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, helping the team secure their 11th European title. His influence extended to the international stage, where he was instrumental in Portugal’s historic UEFA Euro 2016 victory, the nation’s first major international trophy. Pepe’s commanding presence in defense, particularly in the final against France, earned him the Man of the Match award, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. Despite facing multiple injuries throughout his career, Pepe consistently made remarkable comebacks, proving his resilience and determination. His ability to return stronger after setbacks and maintain his high level of performance was a testament to his dedication and professionalism.

In 2016, Alexis Sánchez delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his creativity, technical brilliance, and ability to shine on the biggest stages. As a key player for Arsenal, he was instrumental in their campaign, showcasing his versatility as both a goal-scorer and playmaker. His influence extended to the international stage, where he played a crucial role in Chile’s Copa América Centenario victory, securing their second consecutive title. His performances earned him the Golden Ball award, recognizing him as the tournament’s best player.

In 2016, Gareth Bale delivered a year of extraordinary performances that highlighted his brilliance and leadership, particularly for Wales. As the driving force behind his national team, he played a pivotal role in their historic UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, where Wales reached the semi-finals—their best-ever performance in a major tournament. Bale’s influence was undeniable, as he scored crucial goals and provided moments of inspiration that galvanized the squad. His presence elevated Welsh football, instilling belief and confidence in the team and its supporters2. Beyond his international heroics, Bale continued to shine for Real Madrid, helping the club secure another UEFA Champions League title. His ability to perform on the biggest stages, both for club and country, reinforced his reputation as one of the most impactful players of his generation. For Bale, 2016 was a defining year that showcased his talent, resilience, and ability to lead his nation to unprecedented heights.

In 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered a year of extraordinary performances that showcased his dominance and charisma on the pitch. As the talisman for Paris Saint-Germain, he led the club to a domestic treble, securing the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue titles while finishing as the league’s top scorer with 38 goals. His brilliance extended beyond France, as he made a high-profile move to Manchester United, where he immediately made an impact, helping the team win the EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Ibrahimović continued to defy expectations, proving his ability to perform at the highest level. His leadership, technical mastery, and larger-than-life personality made 2016 a defining year that reinforced his status as one of football’s most iconic figures

In 2016, Neymar delivered a year of extraordinary performances that highlighted his creativity, technical brilliance, and ability to shine on the biggest stages. As a key player for FC Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, showcasing his dazzling dribbles, precise assists, and decisive goals. His influence extended to the international stage, where he led Brazil to Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Games, scoring the winning penalty in the final against Germany—a moment that cemented his status as a national hero. Neymar’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments and his relentless drive made 2016 a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most electrifying players in world football.

In 2016, Luis Suárez delivered a year of extraordinary performances that highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and impact on the game. As a key player for FC Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 40 goals. His brilliance extended to the FIFA Club World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top scorer, helping Barcelona secure the title. Suárez’s ability to deliver in crucial moments and his relentless drive made 2016 a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.

In 2016, Antoine Griezmann delivered a year of extraordinary performances that highlighted his brilliance and impact on the game. As the standout player for Atlético Madrid, he played a crucial role in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League campaigns, helping the team reach the Champions League final. His influence extended to the international stage, where he led France to the UEFA Euro 2016 final, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals and earning the Player of the Tournament award. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments and his relentless drive made 2016 a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most influential forwards in world football.

In 2016, Lionel Messi delivered a year of extraordinary performances that reinforced his status as one of football’s greatest players. As the driving force behind FC Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, showcasing his unmatched creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability. His brilliance extended to the FIFA Club World Cup, where he helped Barcelona secure the title. On the international stage, Messi led Argentina to the Copa América final, narrowly missing out on the trophy. His ability to dictate play, produce magical moments, and inspire his team made 2016 a defining year that highlighted his enduring greatness and impact on the game.

In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of extraordinary performances that, to me, made him the best player in the world. As the driving force behind Real Madrid, he played a crucial role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, finishing as the competition’s top scorer with 16 goals. His ability to rise to the occasion was evident in the knockout stages, where he scored decisive goals against Roma, Wolfsburg, and Manchester City, before netting the winning penalty in the final against Atlético Madrid. His dominance extended beyond club football, as he led Portugal to their first-ever UEFA European Championship, scoring crucial goals and inspiring his nation to victory. Despite suffering an injury in the final, his leadership from the sidelines was a testament to his unwavering determination. His performances earned him the Ballon d’Or, further solidifying his status as the best player of the year. To me, 2016 was the year that showcased Ronaldo’s unmatched ability to deliver in crucial moments, his relentless drive, and his continued dominance at the highest level of football.