My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2019

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2019. 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 2019, Dušan Tadić delivered a year of exceptional brilliance that showcased his playmaking mastery and vision. As a key player for Ajax, he was instrumental in their domestic and European successes, including their deep run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Tadić set a record for the most assists in a single calendar year, delivering an incredible 37 assists, which also made him the record-holder for the most assists in the XIth century. Among his standout moments was his unforgettable performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, where he orchestrated Ajax's stunning 4-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. His creativity, precision, and dominance in that match earned him widespread acclaim, with many considering it one of the finest individual performances in recent football history. For Tadić, 2019 was a year that highlighted his unique talent and solidified his reputation as one of the game's elite playmakers.

In 2019, Frenkie de Jong delivered a year of exceptional performances that showcased his intelligence, composure, and versatility as a midfielder. As a key player for Ajax, he was instrumental in their domestic success, helping the team secure the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup. De Jong's contributions extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in Ajax's remarkable run to the semi-finals, including standout performances against Real Madrid and Juventus. His ability to control the tempo of games, make precise passes, and execute crucial defensive interventions earned him widespread acclaim. For De Jong, 2019 was a defining year that highlighted his unique talent and solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in football.

In 2019, Bernardo Silva delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his versatility, creativity, and work ethic. As a key player for Manchester City, he played a pivotal role in their historic domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Bernardo's contributions extended beyond club success, as he was instrumental in Portugal's triumph in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, where he was named Player of the Tournament. His ability to influence games with his technical skill, vision, and tireless energy made him one of the standout players of the year. For Bernardo Silva, 2019 was a defining year that showcased his immense talent and solidified his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.

In 2019, Robert Lewandowski delivered a year of extraordinary performances that showcased his goal-scoring prowess and consistency. As the talisman for Bayern Munich, he was instrumental in their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal triumphs, finishing as the top scorer in both competitions. Lewandowski's brilliance extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he netted an impressive 15 goals, cementing his status as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. His ability to deliver in crucial moments and his relentless drive to succeed made him a standout player throughout the year. For Lewandowski, 2019 was a defining chapter in his career, highlighting his unmatched talent and solidifying his reputation as one of the game's elite forwards.

In 2019, Kylian Mbappé delivered a year of exceptional performances that highlighted his immense talent and consistency. As a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, he played a crucial role in their domestic success, helping the team secure the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Mbappé's explosive pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability were on full display throughout the season, making him one of the most feared forwards in world football. His contributions extended to PSG's deep run in the UEFA Champions League, where they reached the knockout stages. For Mbappé, 2019 was a year that reinforced his reputation as a generational talent capable of defining matches with his brilliance.

In 2019, Sadio Mané delivered a year of extraordinary performances that highlighted his immense talent and versatility. As a key player for Liverpool, he was instrumental in their UEFA Champions League triumph, scoring crucial goals and providing decisive moments throughout the campaign. Domestically, he helped Liverpool secure a second-place finish in the Premier League with an impressive 22 goals, earning him the Golden Boot as the league's joint top scorer. On the international stage, Mané led Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final, showcasing his leadership and skill, even though they narrowly lost to Algeria. His remarkable consistency and ability to shine in critical moments earned him the African Player of the Year award. For Mané, 2019 was a defining year that solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the world.

In 2019, Alisson Becker delivered a year of extraordinary performances that showcased his brilliance as one of the world's best goalkeepers. As a key figure for Brazil, he played a pivotal role in their Copa América triumph, where his exceptional shot-stopping and composure earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award—a rare feat for a goalkeeper. Alisson's contributions were instrumental in Brazil's success, including keeping clean sheets in crucial matches and providing a solid foundation for the team's defensive stability. His achievements extended to club football, where he helped Liverpool secure the UEFA Champions League title, further solidifying his reputation as a modern football legend. For Alisson, 2019 was a defining year that highlighted his unique talent and ability to excel on the biggest stages.

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of remarkable achievements that highlighted his enduring brilliance and consistency. As a key player for Juventus, he played a pivotal role in their Serie A triumph, scoring 21 league goals and becoming the fastest player in the club's history to reach 10 goals in the Italian top flight. Ronaldo's heroics extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he scored a stunning hat-trick against Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16, helping Juventus overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit. On the international stage, he led Portugal to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League, further cementing his legacy as a leader and a clutch performer. For Ronaldo, 2019 was a year that showcased his relentless drive, unmatched skill, and ability to deliver on the biggest stages, solidifying his place among football's all-time greats.

In 2019, Lionel Messi delivered an extraordinary year of brilliance that solidified his place among football's greatest players. As the driving force for FC Barcelona, he led the team to a La Liga title with his unmatched creativity, flair, and ability to influence matches. In the UEFA Champions League, his performances were nothing short of magical, carrying Barcelona to the semi-finals and producing moments of genius that left fans and rivals in awe. Messi's year was defined by his consistency, artistry, and ability to inspire, reaffirming his reputation as a footballing icon whose impact transcends numbers and accolades.

In 2019, what made Virgil van Dijk so extraordinary to me wasn’t just his talent—it was his aura on the field. He had this incredible ability to read the game like a chess master, always staying one step ahead. His speed? Unreal. Watching him stride across the pitch, catching up to attackers who thought they had escaped, was mesmerizing. It wasn’t just his physicality; it was his composure. He never panicked, never seemed fazed—just cool, calm dominance.

For me, the best moment to reflect his greatness was how unpassable he was that year. Players would try to dribble past him, and it was as if they hit an invisible wall. His mere presence discouraged strikers from even attempting to challenge him. And beyond his defensive skills, he also led Liverpool’s backline with such authority, propelling the team to Champions League glory.

He wasn’t just a defender; he was a game-changer—a player who made defending as impactful and celebrated as scoring goals. To me, that’s what made him the standout player of 2019.