My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2008

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2008. 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 2008, Steven Gerrard delivered a year of relentless brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Leading Liverpool, he was instrumental in their Premier League and Champions League campaign, showcasing his ability to score, create, and lead from the heart of midfield. His defining moment came in key clashes against Real Madrid and Manchester United, where his decisive goals highlighted his ability to rise in high-pressure matches. Gerrard finished the year with 24 goals and 13 assists, demonstrating his consistency and influence on the pitch. His performances in the Champions League were equally impressive, where he played a key role in Liverpool’s deep run in the competition. His combination of intelligence, technical mastery, and leadership made 2008 a standout year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

In 2008, Cesc Fàbregas delivered a year of midfield brilliance, proving why he was one of the most complete playmakers in world football. He was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph, providing crucial assists and dictating play with his vision and intelligence, including his decisive pass in the semifinal against Russia. His performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament, solidifying his role in Spain’s golden generation. At Arsenal, he was equally dominant, finishing the Premier League season as the Player of the Season, showcasing his ability to control games, create chances, and lead his team despite their struggles for silverware. His combination of technical mastery, leadership, and consistency made 2008 a defining year in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

In 2008, Petr Čech delivered a year of goalkeeping excellence, proving why he was one of the most reliable and commanding shot-stoppers in world football. Leading Chelsea, he was instrumental in their Premier League and Champions League campaign, showcasing his ability to make crucial saves and organize his defense. His defining moment came in key clashes against Liverpool and Manchester United, where his reflexes and composure under pressure kept Chelsea in contention. Čech was also recognized as the Best Czech Footballer of 2008, highlighting his consistency and influence on the pitch. His performances in Euro 2008 were mixed, with a heartbreaking moment against Turkey, but his overall contributions reinforced his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

In 2008, David Villa was a force of nature, proving why he was one of the most lethal strikers in world football. Leading Spain, he was the top scorer of Euro 2008, netting four goals, including a stunning hat-trick against Russia, before an injury cut his tournament short. His performances were instrumental in Spain’s triumph, earning him the Golden Boot and solidifying his place in their golden generation. At Valencia, he continued his brilliance, finishing the La Liga season with 28 goals, showcasing his clinical finishing and intelligent movement. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, whether for club or country, made 2008 a defining year in his career, a season where he established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the world.

In 2008, Andrey Arshavin delivered a year of dazzling brilliance, proving why he was one of the most unpredictable and technically gifted playmakers in world football. His defining moment came in Euro 2008, where he orchestrated Russia’s stunning 3-1 victory over the Netherlands, producing a masterclass of dribbling, vision, and creativity that left defenders helpless. His performances throughout the tournament earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament, cementing his status as one of Europe’s elite midfielders. Later that year, he continued his magic at Zenit St. Petersburg, playing a crucial role in their UEFA Cup triumph, further showcasing his ability to dominate on the biggest stages. His ability to shine in both international and club football made 2008 the year he rose from a local star to a global sensation.

In 2008, Iker Casillas delivered a year of goalkeeping excellence, proving why he was one of the most commanding and reliable shot-stoppers in world football. Leading Spain, he was instrumental in their Euro 2008 triumph, making crucial saves and captaining the team to glory. His defining moment came in the quarterfinal against Italy, where he saved two penalties in the shootout, securing Spain’s place in the semifinals and breaking their long-standing curse in major tournaments. At Real Madrid, he continued his brilliance, producing world-class performances in La Liga and the Champions League, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. His ability to rise in high-pressure moments, organize his defense, and deliver match-winning saves made 2008 a year where he cemented his legacy as Spain’s ultimate guardian between the posts.

In 2008, Fernando Torres delivered a year of pure striking brilliance, proving why he was one of the most feared forwards in world football. Leading Spain, he was instrumental in their Euro 2008 triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Germany, a moment that cemented his place in Spanish football history. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing made him the perfect spearhead for Spain’s attacking system. At Liverpool, he was equally unstoppable, finishing the Premier League season with 24 goals, showcasing his ability to dominate defenders and deliver in crucial moments. His combination of speed, intelligence, and lethal finishing made 2008 a defining year in his career, a season where he established himself as one of the most complete strikers in the world.

In 2008, Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass at the Beijing Olympics, proving why he was one of the most electrifying talents in world football. Leading Argentina, he was instrumental in their gold medal triumph, dazzling with his dribbling, vision, and ability to dictate play. His defining moment came in the final against Nigeria, where his creativity and movement helped set up the winning goal, securing Argentina’s second consecutive Olympic gold. Throughout the tournament, Messi was unstoppable, linking up brilliantly with Juan Román Riquelme and Sergio Agüero, showcasing his ability to dominate on the international stage. His performances in Beijing were a glimpse into the greatness that would define his career, a tournament where he proved that even at a young age, he was ready to take over world football.

In 2008, Xavi Hernández orchestrated Spain’s midfield with unmatched precision, proving why he was one of the most intelligent and technically gifted playmakers in world football. His defining moment came in Euro 2008, where he dictated the tempo of Spain’s attack, earning the Player of the Tournament award for his masterful performances. His ability to control games, break defensive lines with pinpoint passing, and maintain composure under pressure made him the heartbeat of Spain’s historic triumph. At Barcelona, he continued his brilliance, playing a crucial role in their La Liga and Copa del Rey-winning campaign, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Whether dazzling on the international stage or leading Barcelona’s midfield, 2008 was the year Xavi cemented himself as football’s ultimate maestro.

In 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a year of absolute dominance, proving why he was the best player in the world and cementing his place at the pinnacle of football. Leading Manchester United, he was the driving force behind their Premier League and Champions League triumphs, dazzling with his speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. His defining moment came in the Champions League final against Chelsea, where he scored a crucial header, showcasing his ability to rise in the biggest matches. Ronaldo finished the year with 35 goals, earning him the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, solidifying his status as football’s ultimate game-changer. His performances throughout 2008 weren’t just about numbers—they were about the sheer inevitability that, every time he touched the ball, something extraordinary would happen. It was the year football had to accept that Ronaldo was not just great—he was the best3.