The recent Ballon d’Or award ceremony has once again sparked debate about the prestigious prize’s European bias. Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar who has dominated world football for over a decade, was surprisingly overlooked for the award, despite another stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain.
A Disappointing Omission
Messi’s absence from the Ballon d’Or shortlist was a major shock to many football fans. The 36-year-old has consistently been among the best players in the world for over a decade, winning the award a record seven times. His performance in the 2022-23 season, which saw him score 21 goals and provide 20 assists for PSG, was widely regarded as exceptional.
European Dominance
The Ballon d’Or has a long history of being dominated by European players. Since its inception in 1956, only five non-European players have won the award: George Best (Northern Ireland), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Kaká (Brazil), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), and Messi (Argentina).
This dominance has led to accusations of bias against players from outside Europe. Critics argue that the award is heavily influenced by European media and voters, who tend to favor players from the continent’s top leagues.
Messi’s World Cup Triumph
One of the most glaring omissions from the Ballon d’Or shortlist was Messi’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine led his country to glory in Qatar, scoring seven goals and being named the tournament’s best player. Despite his historic achievement, Messi was not even considered for the Ballon d’Or.
The Impact of European Leagues
The dominance of European leagues in the Ballon d’Or is also reflected in the award’s voting system. The majority of voters are journalists and coaches from European countries, which gives players from these leagues a significant advantage.
This bias against non-European players has been criticized by many football pundits and fans. Some have argued that the Ballon d’Or should be awarded based on a player’s overall performance throughout the year, rather than solely focusing on their achievements in European leagues.
A Call for Change
The omission of Messi from the Ballon d’Or shortlist has once again raised questions about the award’s legitimacy. It is clear that the prize is still heavily influenced by European bias, which is unfair to players from other continents.
In order to make the Ballon d’Or a truly global award, it is essential to reform the voting system and give greater weight to performances in non-European leagues. Additionally, the award should be more inclusive of players from different positions and playing styles.
Until these changes are made, the Ballon d’Or will continue to be seen as a biased and flawed award.
