My TOP 10 Ballon d'Or 2020

This is my ranking, my opinion on the Ballon d'Or of the year 2020. 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 2020, Sergio Ramos demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football's most iconic defenders and leaders. As captain of Real Madrid, he played a pivotal role in their La Liga triumph, showcasing his defensive brilliance and knack for scoring crucial goals, including from penalties and set-pieces. Ramos' leadership on and off the pitch was instrumental in guiding Real Madrid through a challenging season, as they secured the league title with consistency and resilience. His performances were marked by his ability to rise to the occasion in decisive moments, solidifying his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure. For Ramos, 2020 was a year that highlighted his enduring impact on the game and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 2020, Mohamed Salah continued to prove why he is one of the most consistent and electrifying players in world football. As a key figure for Liverpool, he played a pivotal role in their historic Premier League triumph, ending the club's 30-year wait for the title. Salah's incredible goal-scoring ability and creative play were instrumental throughout the season, as he consistently delivered in crucial moments. Beyond his domestic success, Salah's leadership and influence extended to the Champions League, where he remained a constant threat to opposing defenses. For Salah, 2020 was a year that highlighted his relentless drive, technical brilliance, and ability to perform at the highest level, solidifying his place among the game's elite.

In 2020, Virgil van Dijk showcased his immense talent and leadership, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defenders in football. As a cornerstone of Liverpool's defense, he played a crucial role in their historic Premier League triumph, helping the club end a 30-year wait for the title. Van Dijk's composure, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game made him an indispensable figure throughout the season. His contributions extended beyond domestic success, as he also helped Liverpool secure the FIFA Club World Cup, further highlighting his influence on the global stage. For Van Dijk, 2020 was a year that celebrated his consistency, resilience, and ability to perform at the highest level, cementing his legacy as a leader and a world-class defender.

In 2020, Lionel Messi continued to demonstrate his extraordinary talent and influence on the game, even during a challenging year for both him and FC Barcelona. Despite the team's struggles, Messi's individual brilliance shone through as he finished the La Liga season as the top scorer with 25 goals and provided an impressive 21 assists, showcasing his dual role as both a finisher and a creator. He also led Barcelona to the Copa del Rey final, contributing crucial goals and moments of magic along the way. While the year was marked by difficulties, including Barcelona's early exit from the Champions League and internal club issues, Messi's consistency and ability to deliver in key moments highlighted his enduring greatness. For Messi, 2020 was a year that underscored his resilience and his unwavering ability to perform at the highest level, even in the face of adversity.

In 2020, Manuel Neuer delivered a year of exceptional performances that reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. As captain of Bayern Munich, he played a pivotal role in their historic treble-winning season, which included triumphs in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Neuer's heroics were particularly evident in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where his incredible saves kept a clean sheet and secured Bayern's victory. His leadership, composure, and unmatched reflexes were instrumental in Bayern's dominance throughout the year. For Neuer, 2020 was a defining chapter in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level and solidifying his legacy as a modern football legend.

In 2020, Kylian Mbappé delivered performances that showcased his electrifying talent and star quality. As a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, he played a vital role in their domestic successes, helping the team secure the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. His explosive pace, technical mastery, and ability to score crucial goals made him a constant threat to defenses throughout the season. Mbappé also played a key part in PSG's deep run to the UEFA Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich. Despite the challenges, Mbappé's impact and consistency highlighted his status as one of the brightest talents in world football. For Mbappé, 2020 was a year that further solidified his reputation as a generational player capable of defining matches on his own.

In 2020, Neymar showcased his immense talent and resilience, even as injuries posed challenges throughout the year. As a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, he played a crucial role in their domestic success, helping the team secure the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Neymar's brilliance was also evident in PSG's deep run to the UEFA Champions League final, where his creativity and flair were instrumental in the team's journey, despite their narrow loss to Bayern Munich. His ability to deliver decisive moments and inspire his teammates highlighted his importance to the squad. For Neymar, 2020 was a year that demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and remain one of the most electrifying players in world football.

In 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo continued to demonstrate his extraordinary talent and consistency, solidifying his status as one of football's greatest players. As a key figure for Juventus, he played a pivotal role in their Serie A triumph, finishing as the league's top scorer with 31 goals. Ronaldo's ability to deliver in crucial moments was evident throughout the season, as he consistently led his team with decisive performances. On the international stage, he remained a vital player for Portugal, contributing with goals and leadership. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Ronaldo's relentless drive and unmatched skill ensured that he remained at the pinnacle of the sport. For Ronaldo, 2020 was a year that highlighted his enduring greatness and his ability to perform at the highest level.

In 2020, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a year of exceptional performances that solidified his status as one of the best midfielders in world football. As the creative engine of Manchester City, he played a pivotal role in their Premier League triumph, showcasing his unmatched vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of games. De Bruyne's brilliance was recognized with individual accolades, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year award and the Premier League Playmaker of the Season title. His contributions extended to the Champions League, where he consistently delivered decisive moments for his team. For De Bruyne, 2020 was a year that celebrated his technical mastery, consistency, and ability to shine on the biggest stages, cementing his legacy as one of the game's elite playmakers.

In 2020, Robert Lewandowski delivered a year of unparalleled brilliance, cementing his status as the best player in the world for many, including you. Leading Bayern Munich, he was the driving force behind their historic treble-winning season, which included triumphs in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Lewandowski's goal-scoring prowess was unmatched, as he finished the season as the top scorer in all three competitions, including an incredible 15 goals in the Champions League. His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments were pivotal in Bayern's dominance.

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Beyond his club success, Lewandowski's individual accolades reflected his extraordinary year. He was named UEFA Men's Player of the Year and won The Best FIFA Men's Player award, recognizing his unmatched contributions to the sport. For Lewandowski, 2020 was a year that showcased his lethal finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to perform at the highest level, making a strong case for him as the standout player of the year.