My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2017

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2017. 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 2017, Isco delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his technical brilliance and playmaking ability. As a key player for Real Madrid, he was instrumental in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs, showcasing his vision, dribbling, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. His standout performances included a crucial role in Madrid's Champions League final victory against Juventus, where his composure and creativity helped secure the title. Isco's influence extended beyond club success, as he also shined for Spain, delivering memorable displays in World Cup qualifiers. For Isco, 2017 was a defining year that solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation.

In 2017, Robert Lewandowski delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and leadership. As the talisman for Bayern Munich, he played a crucial role in their Bundesliga triumph, finishing as the league's top scorer with 29 goals. His ability to deliver in decisive moments was evident throughout the season, making him one of the most feared strikers in world football. On the international stage, Lewandowski was instrumental in Poland's World Cup qualification campaign, scoring 16 goals, including a hat-trick against Armenia that made him Poland's all-time top scorer. His consistency and ability to dominate matches earned him widespread recognition, including a place among the top players in the world3. For Lewandowski, 2017 was a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in the game.

In 2017, N'Golo Kanté delivered a year of exceptional performances that solidified his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. As a key player for Chelsea, he was instrumental in their Premier League triumph, showcasing his relentless work rate, defensive intelligence, and ability to control the midfield. His influence was widely recognized, as he was named Premier League Player of the Season and Footballer of the Year in both England and France. Kanté's ability to break up opposition attacks and transition play seamlessly made him an indispensable figure for both club and country. For Kanté, 2017 was a defining year that highlighted his unique talent and cemented his status as one of the most dominant midfielders of his generation.

In 2017, Gianluigi Buffon delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his enduring brilliance and leadership. As the cornerstone of Juventus, he played a crucial role in their Serie A triumph and their deep run to the UEFA Champions League final, where they finished as runners-up. His consistency and ability to make decisive saves earned him widespread recognition, including being named Serie A Footballer of the Year, making him the first goalkeeper to receive the award. Buffon's influence extended beyond club success, as he remained a vital figure for Italy, despite their heartbreaking failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His resilience, charisma, and unwavering presence between the posts solidified his reputation as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. For Buffon, 2017 was a defining year that showcased his longevity and unmatched excellence in the sport.

In 2017, Kylian Mbappé delivered a year of extraordinary performances that showcased his immense talent and rapid rise to football stardom. As a key player for AS Monaco, he played a crucial role in their Ligue 1 triumph, helping the team break Paris Saint-Germain's dominance in French football. His electrifying pace, technical skill, and composure in front of goal made him one of the most exciting young players in the world. Mbappé's brilliance extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he was instrumental in Monaco's deep run to the semi-finals, scoring decisive goals against top European clubs. His performances earned him the prestigious Golden Boy award, recognizing him as the best young footballer of the year. For Mbappé, 2017 was a defining year that marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the game's elite players.

In 2017, Sergio Ramos delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to rise to the occasion. As the captain of Real Madrid, he played a crucial role in their historic season, leading the team to triumphs in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup2. Ramos was not only a defensive rock but also a clutch performer, scoring vital goals in key matches, including late winners that showcased his determination and influence. His presence on the pitch embodied Real Madrid’s competitive spirit, making him an indispensable figure in their success. For Ramos, 2017 was a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of football’s greatest defenders and leaders.

In 2017, Luka Modrić delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his intelligence, composure, and ability to dictate the flow of matches. As a key player for Real Madrid, he was instrumental in their historic season, helping the team secure La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. His ability to control the midfield, distribute play with precision, and contribute defensively made him an indispensable figure in Madrid's dominance. Modrić's influence extended beyond club success, as he remained a vital leader for Croatia, showcasing his technical mastery on the international stage. For Modrić, 2017 was a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most complete midfielders in football history.

In 2017, Neymar delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his creativity, flair, and ability to influence matches at the highest level. As a key player for Barcelona, he played a crucial role in their Copa del Rey triumph and was instrumental in their memorable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, where he led the charge in the historic 6-1 victory. His dazzling dribbles, precise assists, and decisive goals made him one of the most electrifying players in world football. In the summer, Neymar made headlines with his record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, becoming the most expensive player in football history. His impact at PSG was immediate, as he showcased his brilliance in Ligue 1 and helped the team secure domestic dominance. For Neymar, 2017 was a defining year that reinforced his reputation as one of the most talented and influential players of his generation.

In 2017, 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 Copa del Rey triumph and their competitive campaign in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and score decisive goals made him an indispensable figure for the team. Messi’s brilliance extended beyond club football, as he led Argentina through a challenging World Cup qualification campaign, securing their place in the 2018 tournament with a stunning hat-trick against Ecuador. His consistency, technical mastery, and ability to produce magical moments throughout the season highlighted his enduring greatness and impact on the game.

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of extraordinary performances that, for you, made him the best player in the world. As the driving force behind Real Madrid, he played a crucial role in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs, securing back-to-back European titles. His ability to rise to the occasion was evident in the Champions League knockout stages, where he scored five goals against Bayern Munich, a hat-trick against Atlético Madrid, and a brace in the final against Juventus. His dominance extended beyond club football, as he led Portugal to World Cup qualification with 11 goals in 11 matches. For you, 2017 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.