My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2001

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2001. 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 2001, Francesco Totti delivered a season of exceptional brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and leadership for AS Roma. As the creative force behind the team, he combined technical mastery, vision, and an ability to score crucial goals, making him indispensable to Roma’s success. Totti’s performances in Serie A were instrumental in guiding Roma to their first league title in 18 years, as he consistently delivered moments of magic that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. His composure under pressure and ability to rise in decisive matches highlighted his importance to the team. Beyond his domestic achievements, Totti’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine with his elegance and creativity. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches and deliver match-winning contributions solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted players of his era.

In 2001, Henrik Larsson delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, cementing his status as one of the most prolific and influential strikers in football. Representing Celtic, he was the driving force behind their attack, combining clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and an unrelenting work ethic. Larsson’s performances in the Scottish Premier League were exceptional, as he consistently delivered goals and assists that showcased his ability to dominate matches. His leadership and influence were pivotal in Celtic’s domestic success, inspiring his team with relentless determination and moments of magic.

In 2001, David Beckham delivered a season of exceptional brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Manchester United. As a midfielder, he combined pinpoint passing, precise crosses, and an ability to score stunning goals, making him a vital figure in United’s attack. Beckham’s performances in the Premier League were instrumental in maintaining United’s dominance, as he consistently delivered moments of magic that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches and deliver in crucial moments highlighted his importance to the team. Beyond his domestic achievements, Beckham’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine with his creativity and composure. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver match-winning contributions solidified his reputation as one of the most iconic players of his era.

In 2001, Zinedine Zidane delivered a season of exceptional brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Juventus. As a creative force in midfield, he combined technical mastery, vision, and composure to dictate the tempo of matches and unlock defenses with his precise passing. Zidane’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments made him an indispensable figure for Juventus, as he consistently delivered performances that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. Beyond his club contributions, Zidane’s influence extended to the international stage with France, where he continued to shine as a leader and playmaker. His elegance on the ball and ability to create moments of magic highlighted his status as one of the most gifted players in the game.

In 2001, Thierry Henry delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and influence for Arsenal. As the focal point of their attack, he combined electrifying pace, technical skill, and creativity to dominate matches and leave defenders in his wake. Henry’s ability to score breathtaking goals and create opportunities for his teammates made him an unstoppable force in the Premier League, where he consistently delivered performances that defined Arsenal’s success. His flair, intelligence, and composure on the pitch set him apart as a player who could change the course of a game in an instant. Beyond his domestic achievements, Henry’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine on the biggest stage. His ability to rise in crucial moments and deliver match-winning contributions highlighted his status as one of the most complete forwards of his time.

In 2001, 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 marked by his ability to dictate the flow of matches and produce moments of magic that inspired his team. His leadership and flair on the pitch were instrumental in Barcelona’s campaign, as he consistently delivered when it mattered most. 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 2001, Luís Figo delivered a season of exceptional 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 delivered moments of magic that inspired his teammates and captivated fans. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches and rise to the occasion in crucial moments highlighted his importance to the team. Beyond his domestic achievements, Figo’s influence extended to European competitions, where he continued to shine with his creativity and composure. His ability to perform at the highest level and deliver match-winning contributions solidified his reputation as one of the most complete players of his time.

In 2001, Michael Owen delivered a season of exceptional brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and goal-scoring prowess for Liverpool. As a dynamic forward, he combined explosive pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement to terrorize defenses and consistently deliver match-winning performances. Owen’s contributions were pivotal in Liverpool’s success, as he played a key role in their triumphs in the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, completing a historic treble. His ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches highlighted his importance to the team and his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers of his time. Beyond his domestic achievements, Owen’s performances earned him widespread recognition on the international stage, where he continued to shine for England.

In 2001, Oliver Kahn delivered a season of extraordinary brilliance, showcasing his immense talent and resilience as a goalkeeper for Bayern Munich. His performances in the Bundesliga were marked by his commanding presence, exceptional reflexes, and ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations. Kahn’s leadership and consistency were pivotal in Bayern’s domestic success, as he inspired his teammates with his unwavering determination and match-winning contributions. One of the defining moments of Kahn’s season came in the Champions League final against Valencia, where he produced a legendary display during the penalty shootout. Saving three penalties, he secured Bayern’s first Champions League title in 25 years, earning widespread acclaim for his heroics.

In 2001, Raúl González delivered a season of remarkable 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.

What truly set Raúl apart that year was his consistency and ability to deliver in the most critical moments. His leadership on the pitch and knack for scoring decisive goals made him indispensable to Real Madrid’s success. For you, Raúl might have been the best in 2001 because of his unwavering reliability and the way he embodied the spirit of a true champion, always stepping up when his team needed him most.