My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2000

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2000. 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 2000, Paolo Maldini delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and leadership for AC Milan and the Italian national team. As a defender, he combined impeccable positioning, tactical intelligence, and composure to dominate matches and neutralize some of the best attackers in the world. Maldini’s performances in Serie A were marked by his consistency and ability to inspire his teammates with his calm and commanding presence on the pitch.

On the international stage, Maldini captained Italy to the final of Euro 2000, where his defensive masterclass throughout the tournament was pivotal in their success. His resilience and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches highlighted his importance to the team. Although Italy narrowly lost to France in the final, Maldini’s performances throughout the year solidified his reputation as one of the greatest defenders in football history.

In 2000, Gaizka Mendieta delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Valencia CF. As a dynamic midfielder, he combined technical mastery, vision, and an ability to score crucial goals, making him a vital figure in Valencia’s success. Mendieta’s performances in La Liga were instrumental in guiding Valencia to a strong domestic campaign, as he consistently delivered moments of magic that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. One of the defining moments of Mendieta’s season came in the Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in Valencia’s journey to the final. His composure, creativity, and leadership on the pitch highlighted his importance to the team, even though they fell short against Real Madrid in the final.

In 2000, Raúl González delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and leadership for Real Madrid. As a forward, he combined intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and an ability to perform in crucial moments, making him a vital figure in Madrid’s attack. Raúl’s performances in La Liga were instrumental in maintaining Real Madrid’s dominance, as he consistently delivered goals and assists that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. His composure under pressure and ability to rise to the occasion highlighted his importance to the team. One of the defining moments of Raúl’s season came in the Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s journey to the final. His ability to deliver match-winning contributions and lead by example solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and impactful players of his era.

In 2000, Rivaldo delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and creativity for Barcelona. As an attacking midfielder, he combined technical mastery, vision, and an ability to score spectacular goals, making him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Rivaldo’s performances in La Liga were pivotal in Barcelona’s campaign, as he consistently delivered moments of magic that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. One of the defining moments of Rivaldo’s season came in the final league match against Valencia, where he scored a stunning hat-trick to secure Barcelona’s qualification for the Champions League. His third goal, an audacious overhead kick from outside the box, remains one of the most iconic goals in football history.

In 2000, Romário delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and goal-scoring prowess for Vasco da Gama. As a forward, he combined clinical finishing, intelligent positioning, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net, making him an unstoppable force in Brazilian football. Romário’s performances were pivotal in Vasco’s success, as he played a key role in their triumphs in the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Mercosur. One of the defining aspects of Romário’s season was his incredible goal-scoring record. He scored an astonishing 72 goals, accounting for nearly 38% of Vasco’s total goals that year. His ability to deliver in crucial matches and his consistency throughout the season earned him widespread acclaim, including the Bola de Ouro and Chuteira de Ouro awards from Revista Placar.

In 2000, Alessandro Nesta delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and leadership for Lazio. As a central defender, he combined impeccable positioning, tactical intelligence, and composure to dominate matches and neutralize some of the best attackers in the world. Nesta’s performances in Serie A were instrumental in Lazio’s success, as he played a key role in their triumphs in the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto, marking one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Beyond his domestic achievements, Nesta’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine with his consistency and brilliance. His ability to inspire confidence in his teammates and deliver match-winning contributions solidified his reputation as one of the greatest defenders of his era. 2000 was a year where Nesta’s performances embodied the spirit of Lazio, leaving an unforgettable mark on football history.

In 2000, Andriy Shevchenko delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and goal-scoring prowess for AC Milan. As a forward, he combined clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and an ability to perform in crucial moments, making him a vital figure in Milan’s attack. Shevchenko’s performances in Serie A were exceptional, as he scored 24 goals, earning him the title of Serie A Top Scorer. His ability to rise to the occasion in decisive matches highlighted his importance to the team. Beyond his domestic achievements, Shevchenko’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine with his consistency and brilliance.

In 2000, Thierry Henry delivered a season of exceptional brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Arsenal. As a forward, he combined electrifying pace, technical skill, and creativity to dominate matches and leave defenders in his wake. Henry’s performances in the Premier League were instrumental in Arsenal’s campaign, as he consistently delivered goals and assists that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. One of the defining moments of Henry’s season came in Euro 2000, where he represented France and played a pivotal role in their triumph. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches highlighted his importance to the team, as he consistently delivered moments of magic that contributed to France’s success.

In 2000, Luís Figo delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Real Madrid. As a dynamic winger, he combined technical mastery, precise passing, and an ability to create and score goals, making him a vital figure in Madrid’s attack. Figo’s performances in La Liga were instrumental in maintaining Real Madrid’s dominance, as he consistently inspired his teammates with moments of magic and tactical intelligence. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches and his consistency throughout the season demonstrated his exceptional contribution to the team.

In 2000, Zinedine Zidane delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Juventus and the French national team. As a midfielder, he combined technical mastery, vision, and composure to dictate the tempo of matches and create opportunities for his teammates. Zidane’s performances in Serie A were marked by his ability to control games and deliver moments of magic that inspired his team.

What truly set Zidane apart that year was his performance in Euro 2000, where he played a pivotal role in leading France to victory. His elegance on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to rise in crucial moments made him the heartbeat of the team. Zidane’s free-kick against Spain and his decisive penalty against Portugal in the semifinals were defining moments that highlighted his composure under pressure. His ability to dominate the midfield and influence the outcome of matches solidified his reputation as one of the greatest players of his generation.