My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 1998

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 1998. 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 1998, José Luis Chilavert delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his unique blend of goalkeeping brilliance and leadership on the pitch. As a goalkeeper with an unmatched ability to influence the game beyond his penalty area, Chilavert combined shot-stopping excellence, tactical intelligence, and a fearless personality, making him an irreplaceable figure for Vélez Sarsfield and the Paraguayan national team. Chilavert’s performances in the Argentinian league were instrumental in Vélez Sarsfield’s triumph, where his commanding presence between the posts and his ability to score from free kicks made him a true anomaly in world football. His leadership inspired his teammates, turning crucial moments into victories and cementing his status as one of the most influential goalkeepers of his generation. One of the defining moments of Chilavert’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he led Paraguay on an unforgettable run. His composure under pressure, exceptional reading of the game, and ability to rally his team made Paraguay a formidable opponent. His heroic performances, including a clean sheet against Bulgaria and a valiant effort against France in the knockout stage, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stage. His free-kick attempts and penalty saves added to his legend, proving that he was far more than just a goalkeeper—he was a game-changer.

In 1998, Marcel Desailly delivered an extraordinary calendar year, cementing his legacy as one of the finest defenders of his generation. As a central defender and defensive midfielder, he combined physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and an unwavering presence, making him an indispensable figure for AC Milan and the French national team. Desailly’s performances in Serie A were crucial in maintaining Milan’s defensive solidity, where his ability to read the game, intercept key passes, and dictate play from deep made him a pillar of the squad. His leadership and composure under pressure ensured Milan remained competitive at the highest level. One of the defining moments of Desailly’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in France’s historic triumph. His defensive mastery was instrumental in neutralizing some of the world’s best attackers, helping Les Bleus secure their first-ever World Cup title. Despite receiving a red card in the final against Brazil, his contributions throughout the tournament were undeniable, showcasing his ability to dominate midfield battles and provide defensive stability.

In 1998, Edgar Davids delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his relentless energy, technical brilliance, and leadership on the pitch. As a dynamic midfielder, he combined defensive tenacity, tactical intelligence, and an unmatched ability to drive his team forward, making him an indispensable figure for Juventus and the Dutch national team. Davids’ performances in Serie A were crucial in Juventus’ success, where his aggressive pressing, ball-winning ability, and precise passing helped dictate the tempo of matches. His presence in midfield provided balance and stability, allowing his teammates to flourish in attack while ensuring defensive security. One of the defining moments of Davids’ year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in the Netherlands’ impressive campaign. His tireless work rate and ability to transition from defense to attack made him a key player in the Dutch midfield. His late goal against Yugoslavia in the Round of 16 was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion, helping his team advance in the tournament. His performances throughout the competition solidified his reputation as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.

In 1998, 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 historic double-winning season, where his creativity and goal-scoring ability helped the Gunners secure both the league title and the FA Cup. 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 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in the Netherlands’ impressive campaign. His crowning moment arrived in the quarter-final against Argentina, where he scored one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history—a sublime first touch, a perfect second to evade the defender, and a clinical finish to send the Dutch into the semi-finals. His performances throughout the tournament solidified his reputation as one of the most technically gifted forwards of his generation.

In 1998, Gabriel Batistuta delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his lethal finishing, physical presence, and ability to shine on the biggest stages. As a striker, he combined power, precision, and an instinctive goal-scoring ability, making him an indispensable figure for Fiorentina and the Argentinian national team. Batistuta’s performances in Serie A were crucial in Fiorentina’s campaign, where his relentless goal-scoring ability made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe. His leadership and consistency ensured Fiorentina remained competitive, with his goals often proving decisive. One of the defining moments of Batistuta’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in Argentina’s strong campaign. His hat-trick against Jamaica showcased his ability to dominate defenses, while his crucial goals throughout the tournament solidified his reputation as one of the most clinical finishers in world football. His performances helped Argentina reach the quarter-finals, where they fell to the Netherlands in a dramatic encounter.

In 1998, Lilian Thuram delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his defensive brilliance, tactical intelligence, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. As a versatile defender, he combined physical strength, composure, and an unmatched ability to read the game, making him an indispensable figure for Parma and the French national team. Thuram’s performances in Serie A were crucial in maintaining Parma’s defensive solidity, where his ability to shut down attackers and contribute to build-up play made him a pillar of the squad. His presence ensured Parma remained competitive in one of the toughest leagues in the world. One of the defining moments of Thuram’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in France’s historic triumph. His crowning moment arrived in the semi-final against Croatia, where he scored both goals in a dramatic 2-1 victory—his only goals for the national team. His defensive mastery throughout the tournament was instrumental in securing France’s first-ever World Cup title, proving his ability to dominate on the grandest stage.

In 1998, Michael Owen delivered an extraordinary calendar year, announcing himself as one of the most electrifying young talents in world football. At just 18 years old, he combined blistering pace, technical brilliance, and an instinctive goal-scoring ability, making him an indispensable figure for Liverpool and the English national team. Owen’s performances in the Premier League were crucial in Liverpool’s campaign, where his sharp movement and clinical finishing saw him emerge as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. His ability to exploit space and take on defenders with fearless confidence made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. One of the defining moments of Owen’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in England’s campaign. His crowning moment arrived in the Round of 16 against Argentina, where he scored one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history—a breathtaking solo run, weaving past defenders before finishing with precision. His performance cemented his reputation as a generational talent and earned him global recognition.

In 1998, Rivaldo delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his technical brilliance, creativity, and ability to dominate matches with his unique style of play. As an attacking midfielder, he combined vision, precision, and an unmatched ability to score from distance, making him an indispensable figure for FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national team. Rivaldo’s performances in La Liga were instrumental in Barcelona’s success, where his flair and goal-scoring ability helped the club secure the Spanish league title. His ability to dictate play, execute stunning strikes, and provide decisive assists made him one of the most feared playmakers in Europe. One of the defining moments of Rivaldo’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in Brazil’s campaign. His two crucial goals against Denmark in the quarter-finals showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, helping Brazil advance in the tournament. Despite Brazil falling to France in the final, Rivaldo’s performances throughout the competition solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted attacking players of his generation.

In 1998, Ronaldo Nazário, known as Il Fenomeno, delivered an extraordinary calendar year, showcasing his dazzling dribbling, explosive acceleration, and clinical finishing. As a forward, he combined raw power, technical mastery, and an instinctive ability to dismantle defenses, making him an indispensable figure for Inter Milan and the Brazilian national team. Ronaldo’s performances in Serie A were mesmerizing, where his ability to glide past defenders and score from impossible angles made him one of the most feared strikers in the world. His brilliance was on full display in the UEFA Cup final, where he led Inter Milan to victory with a stunning solo goal against Lazio, cementing his status as one of the best players of his generation. One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he spearheaded Brazil’s campaign with breathtaking performances. His ability to create chances, score crucial goals, and dictate the tempo of matches made him the focal point of the Seleção. However, the final against France remains one of the most talked-about moments in football history—Ronaldo suffered a mysterious health episode hours before the match, leading to speculation and controversy. Despite playing, he was far from his usual self, and Brazil fell to France in a shocking 3-0 defeat.

In 1998, Zinedine Zidane delivered an extraordinary calendar year, proving to me why he was the best player in the world. As a midfielder, 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. One of the defining moments of Zidane’s year came in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he played a vital role in France’s historic triumph. To me, his two headed goals in the final against Brazil were the ultimate proof of his greatness—stepping up when it mattered most, delivering a performance that secured France’s first-ever World Cup title. His composure, leadership, and ability to dominate the midfield made him the heartbeat of the team. The year 1998 confirmed Zinedine Zidane as one of the best players in the world in my eyes, a footballing genius whose impact extended beyond statistics, embodying the grace, intelligence, and brilliance of a French side that conquered the world.