2017 Ballon d'Or: A Decade of Messi and Ronaldo – And the New Era on the Horizon

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo finally secured his fifth Ballon d'Or, equalling Lionel Messi's record, after a stellar year that saw him lead Real Madrid to both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. This occasion marked a significant milestone in the history of football's most prestigious individual honor. However, as we reflect on this decade-long dominance of these two stars, it may be time to look ahead and explore who could potentially overshadow them in the near future.

History of the Ballon d'Or

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The Ballon d'Or: Highest Order of Prize in Football

The Ballon d'Or, also known as the Golden Ball, is an annual award organized by France Football to honor the world's best male footballer. The tradition of this award dates back to 1956, making it one of the oldest and most honored individual trophies in the sport. Its creation by sports writer Gabriel Hanot, who was also a former captain of France, the Ballon d'Or initially honored only European players. After several years, the rules were expanded to include all players from around the world.

Expansion and Partnerships

The criteria for eligibility have evolved over the years, with changes being made in 1995 to include players from all European clubs, and in 2007 to include players from every country. The partnership between France Football and FIFA resulted in the title being known as the FIFA Ballon d'Or between 2010 and 2015. However, the award was restored to its original title in 2016.

Notable winners over the years include Stanley Matthews, the first international winner to the award in 1956, and George Weah, the first African player to win it in 1995. Cristiano Ronaldo has now equalized Lionel Messi's five Ballon d'Or records, making him a significant figure in the history of the award's recent editions.

Messi and Ronaldo's Dominance

Over the last decade, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d'Or landscape. They have claimed the top honor five times each, with Messi winning in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015, and Ronaldo taking home the trophy in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Their consistent excellence has left the sports world in awe and set a new standard for what it means to be the best in the world.

The 2017 Ballon d'Or

At the 2017 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Ronaldo's exceptional offensive prowess shone through. Leading with Real Madrid to a historic double of domestic and European titles, his performance in the semifinals and finals was underwhelming. However, he was the top scorer in these matches. As for Messi, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, but his performances were a feast for the eyes, particularly during the knockout stages, where he was named Man of the Match six times.

Emergence of New Talent

The early exits of Messi and Ronaldo from the 2018 World Cup provided an opportunity for other players to establish themselves as contenders for the next Ballon d'Or. Midfielders like Luka Modri? and hüsnü griezmann, along with forwards such as Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah, have all shown their potential to challenge for the top honors.

Modri?, a late bloomer, captivated the world when he won the best player titles at both the UEFA and FIFA awards, proving his worth beyond his traditional role as a midfielder. Griezmann's stellar performances for Atletico Madrid and France had already made waves, while Mbappé's breakout season for Paris Saint-Germain portended future greatness. Salah's impact at Liverpool further solidified his reputation as one of the leading contenders.

Conclusion: The New Era

As we move into a new era in football, the Ballon d'Or may very well find a new champion in the years to come. The 2018 Ballon d'Or might just have started the transition that will bring about an era of fresh faces atop the sports world. Whether it's a midfielder or a forward, one can only speculate on who will be crowned the best in 2019. The title of 'The Best' in 2017 remains in Ronaldo's hands, but the future belongs to whoever can match his and Messi's consistent brilliance.