The Super Ballon d’Or is considered the most prestigious and rare personal accolade in the world of football. Similar to the Ballon d’Or, this award is also organized by France Football magazine and has only been awarded once in 1989 to the best player of the previous three decades, won by Real legend Di Stefano. According to Spanish media, the Super Ballon d’Or is likely to be awarded again in 2019, exactly 40 years since its first presentation. Recently, Ace Football magazine announced the list of 10 candidates for the 2019 Super Ballon d’Or. One of the top candidates is French star Karim Benzema, who is still considered to be one of the best football stars in the world today. With his intelligence, technique, and finishing ability, Benzema has become a complete striker. His peak performance was when he shone alongside Real to win the Champions League title in the 2021-2022 season. He also received the Ballon d’Or award in the same year. During his time at Real, Benzema has won a total of 24 titles, including 5 Champions League trophies.
Luis Figo from Portugal possesses impressive personal skills and strategic insight that allow him to excel in various attacking positions. He has played for two powerhouse clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and became a key player for the Portuguese national team during his peak.
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In 2000, Figo won the Ballon d’Or for his exceptional soccer skills. He played most of his career in Spain, winning 2 Liga titles with both Barca and Real, and even helped Real win the Champions League. Later, he moved to Italy to play for Inter and won 5 Serie A championships before retiring. Rivaldo is another standout Brazilian soccer player known for his excellent dribbling, passing, and scoring abilities. His shots were always powerful and nearly impossible to stop. Brazilian soccer continually produces top-tier players, and Rivaldo is undoubtedly one of the best in his generation.
Rivaldo played a crucial role in Brazil’s victory at the 2002 World Cup, and he had previously won the Ballon d’Or award in 1999.
Luka Modric is arguably the greatest footballer ever produced by Croatia, known for his tactical awareness and masterful control of the midfield. His decision to join Real Madrid in 2011 changed the course of his career, helping him secure 23 trophies including 5 Champions League titles. Modric’s career reached its peak when he led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, earning him the Ballon d’Or award despite his team’s loss.
Roberto Baggio was a skilled magician with the ball. He was an all-around attacking player who could excel in numerous positions, from creating to scoring goals.
Baggio had played for three different major Italian clubs, namely Juventus, Inter and AC Milan. He had won the Ballon d’Or award in 1993 and a year later, he and the Italian national team made it to the World Cup 1994 final. Unfortunately, he was one of the players who missed the penalty shootout, resulting in his team’s 2-3 loss.
During his prime, Ronaldinho was a feared striker by defenses all over the world. The Brazilian player could dribble past multiple defenders before scoring a goal or make an unexpected pass to set up his teammates for scoring.
He has achieved numerous major titles in his career, from the Champions League to the World Cup. In 2005, Ronaldinho was awarded the Ballon d’Or. Ranked just above Ronaldinho on the list is his close teammate Ronaldo de Lima for the Brazilian national team. “The alien” was the youngest player to win the Ballon d’Or. At his peak, Ronaldo could penetrate any defense with his speed, technique, and explosive finishing ability. Ronaldo has played for many big teams such as Barca, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. He won the World Cup twice with the Brazilian national team.
3. Zinedine Zidane (France)
Zidane possesses remarkable technique and can do almost anything with the ball. He is one of the most admired and influential midfielders in history.
Zidane had a successful playing career with clubs like Juventus and Real, winning major trophies such as the World Cup, Euro, and Champions League. He also completed his collection by earning the Ballon d’Or award.
On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal holds the record for the most goals scored in history. He can score through headers, left foot, and right foot. With five Ballon d’Or awards, five Champions League titles, and the historic Euro title with Portugal in 2016, Ronaldo only lacks a World Cup trophy to complete his collection.
It’s no surprise that Lionel Messi is the number one contender for the Super Ballon d’Or award. The Argentine superstar currently holds a record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or trophies. In 2022, Messi will also complete his collection of titles with a World Cup championship. Having achieved all his goals in the football world, the Argentine player has now moved on to play for Inter Miami in the final years of his career.
Ace Football predicts an 80% chance of Messi winning the award, putting him far ahead of the other contenders. In comparison, Ronaldo’s chances of winning are only at a 16% likelihood.
