My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1997

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1999. 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 1997, Predrag Mijatović delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his technical brilliance, composure, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. As a forward, he combined creativity, precision, and an instinctive goal-scoring ability, making him an indispensable figure for Real Madrid and the Yugoslavian national team. Mijatović’s performances in La Liga were crucial in Real Madrid’s campaign, where his ability to unlock defenses and deliver decisive goals made him one of the most influential players in Spain. His attacking presence helped Madrid remain competitive as they chased domestic and European success. One of the defining moments of Mijatović’s year came in the 1996-97 season, where he played a vital role in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph, helping the club reclaim the Spanish league title. His contribution in attack, alongside players like Raúl and Davor Šuker, was instrumental in Madrid’s dominant campaign. His ability to score in key matches and dictate attacking sequences made him a fundamental piece of Fabio Capello’s squad.

In 1997, Andreas Möller delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his technical brilliance, vision, and ability to dictate play from midfield. As an attacking midfielder, he combined creativity, precision, and an instinctive ability to score and assist, making him an indispensable figure for Borussia Dortmund and the German national team. Möller’s performances in the Bundesliga were crucial in Dortmund’s campaign, where his ability to unlock defenses and deliver decisive passes made him one of the most influential players in Germany. His attacking presence helped Dortmund remain competitive as they pursued domestic and international success. One of the defining moments of Möller’s year came in the 1996-97 UEFA Champions League, where he played a vital role in Borussia Dortmund’s historic triumph. His contributions throughout the tournament helped Dortmund secure their first-ever Champions League title, culminating in a 3-1 victory over Juventus in the final. His ability to control the tempo of matches and deliver in high-pressure situations cemented his legacy as a key figure in Dortmund’s golden era.

In 1997, Luis Enrique delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his versatility, leadership, and ability to perform at the highest level. As a dynamic midfielder and forward, he combined technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and an unmatched work rate, making him an indispensable figure for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Luis Enrique’s performances in La Liga were crucial in Barcelona’s campaign, where his ability to score, create chances, and dictate play made him one of the most influential players in Spain. His attacking presence helped Barcelona remain competitive as they pursued domestic and European success. One of the defining moments of Luis Enrique’s year came in the 1996-97 season, where he played a vital role in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph, helping the club secure the prestigious Spanish cup title. His contributions in attack, alongside players like Ronaldo and Figo, were instrumental in Barcelona’s success. His ability to adapt to different roles and deliver in key matches made him a fundamental piece of the squad.

In 1997, Raúl González Blanco delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess, leadership, and ability to perform on the biggest stages. As a forward, he combined intelligence, precision, and an instinctive ability to find the back of the net, making him an indispensable figure for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Raúl’s performances in La Liga were crucial in Real Madrid’s campaign, where his sharp movement and clinical finishing helped the club remain competitive. His ability to score in key matches and link up play with his teammates made him a fundamental piece of Madrid’s attack. One of the defining moments of Raúl’s year came in the 1996-97 season, where he played a vital role in Real Madrid’s La Liga triumph, helping the club reclaim the Spanish league title. His contributions in attack, alongside players like Predrag Mijatović and Davor Šuker, were instrumental in Madrid’s success. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young forwards in world football.

In 1997, Romário delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his lethal finishing, technical brilliance, and ability to dominate matches with his instinctive goal-scoring ability. As a forward, he combined agility, precision, and an unmatched ability to find the back of the net, making him an indispensable figure for Flamengo and the Brazilian national team. Romário’s performances in Brazil’s domestic competitions were nothing short of spectacular, where his goal-scoring prowess made him one of the most feared strikers in South America. His ability to dismantle defenses with quick movements and clinical finishing ensured Flamengo remained competitive throughout the year. His tally of 35 goals in 36 matches for Flamengo in 1997 highlighted his consistency and dominance in front of goal. One of the defining moments of Romário’s year came in the 1997 Copa América, where he played a vital role in Brazil’s campaign. His attacking presence and ability to create chances helped Brazil secure the title, proving his ability to shine on the international stage. His performances throughout the competition solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation.

In 1997, Roberto Carlos delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his explosive pace, powerful shooting, and ability to dominate matches from the left flank. As a left-back, he combined defensive solidity, attacking flair, and an unmatched ability to strike the ball with precision, making him an indispensable figure for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. Roberto Carlos’ performances in La Liga were crucial in Real Madrid’s campaign, where his marauding runs and thunderous shots made him one of the most feared full-backs in world football. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively ensured Madrid remained competitive at the highest level. One of the defining moments of Roberto Carlos’ year came in the 1997 Copa América, where he played a vital role in Brazil’s triumph. His presence in defense and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses helped Brazil secure the title, proving his importance on the international stage. Additionally, his legendary free-kick against France in the Tournoi de France remains one of the most iconic goals ever scored, a strike that defied physics and stunned the footballing world.

In 1997, Dennis Bergkamp delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his technical brilliance, vision, and ability to produce moments of pure magic. As a forward, he combined elegance, precision, and an unmatched footballing intelligence, making him an indispensable figure for Arsenal and the Dutch national team. Bergkamp’s performances in the Premier League were instrumental in Arsenal’s campaign, where his creativity and goal-scoring ability helped the Gunners remain competitive at the highest level. His ability to link up play, execute breathtaking assists, and score stunning goals made him one of the most influential players in England. One of the defining moments of Bergkamp’s year came in the 1997-98 season, where he played a vital role in Arsenal’s double-winning campaign, helping the club secure both the Premier League title and the FA Cup. His contributions were recognized as he won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the best players in the league.

In 1997, Zinedine Zidane delivered an extraordinary calendar year, proving why he was one of the most complete midfielders in world football. As a playmaker, he combined elegance, vision, and technical mastery, making him an indispensable figure for Juventus and the French national team. Zidane’s performances in Serie A were crucial in Juventus’ campaign, where his ability to dictate play, unlock defenses, and control the tempo of matches made him one of the most influential players in Europe. His intelligence on the ball and ability to execute breathtaking passes set him apart from his peers. His contributions helped Juventus secure the Serie A title, reinforcing his status as one of the best midfielders in the world. One of the defining moments of Zidane’s year came in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final, where he played a vital role in Juventus’ attempt to reclaim European glory. Despite their loss to Borussia Dortmund, Zidane’s ability to orchestrate attacks and create chances showcased his brilliance on the grandest stage.

In 1997, Ronaldo Nazário, known as Il Fenomeno, delivered an extraordinary calendar year, proving to me why he was the best player in the world. As a forward, he combined explosive acceleration, dazzling dribbling, and clinical finishing, making him an unstoppable force for FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, and the Brazilian national team. Ronaldo’s performances in La Liga were mesmerizing, where his ability to glide past defenders and score from impossible angles made him the most feared striker in the world. His brilliance was on full display as he won the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer, netting 34 goals in 37 matches for Barcelona. His dominance earned him the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as the best player on the planet. One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s year came in the 1997 Copa América, where he played a vital role in Brazil’s triumph. His partnership with Romário was electric, and his ability to create and finish chances helped Brazil secure the title. His performances throughout the tournament showcased his ability to shine on the international stage. To me, the year 1997 confirmed Ronaldo Nazário as the most complete forward in football, a player whose impact extended beyond statistics, embodying the flair, dominance, and unpredictability of a Brazilian side that captivated the world. His ability to single-handedly change games, his breathtaking goals, and his sheer presence on the pitch made him the undisputed best player of the year.