All the talk in the footballing world recently has been surrounding Manchester City midfielder Rodri and his surprise victory in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The coveted award is given to the supposed best player on the planet, and the former Atletico Madrid man emerged with a surprising victory after winning the Premier League once again with the Blues, as well as anchoring Spain’s midfield in their success at Euro 2024. However, much of the talk in the build-up to the event had been the supposed coronation of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian winger has been in scintillating form throughout 2024, helping Los Blancos win La Liga as well as a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League crown. The 24-year-old hit the back of the net 24 times in all competitions last season, as well as adding a further 11 assists for his Bernabeu teammates. But despite the success of both the individual and his respective team, voters preferred Rodri’s exploits over those of the former Flamengo youngster.
The result has sparked outrage on social media, with many fans rushing to the defence of the Brazilian, claiming that he was robbed of a rightful victory. We doubt that Vini will be too flustered, however, as the bookies still make his side a contender to win the UEFA Champions League once again this season. If you were to place a sport bet at Bovada on Los Blancos claiming the top prize in European football for the 16th time, you’d get odds of +350, the second shortest behind Manchester City.
Arsenal had plenty of representation at the Ballon d’Or this year, with four players being nominated, the second most of anybody. But which Gunner has come closest to being named the best player on the planet over the last 20 years? Let’s find out.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry was a mainstay in the Ballon d’Or rankings throughout the first half of the noughties. He finished in the top ten for six consecutive years between 2000 and 2006, with his best finish being second place in 2003, losing out in another robbery to Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved. While that remains his best finish overall, his best finish of the last 20 years is a third-place finish in 2006.
That year, the French sensation was not just Arsenal’s captain; he was a phenomenon. Arsenal were a team somewhat in transition in the 2005/06 campaign, with Arsene Wenger selling prized assets such as Patrick Vieira as he looked to keep the club competitive while making huge payments on their new Emirates Stadium home. Henry was the club’s talisman, and he was tasked with leading the club almost single-handedly.
Ultimately, that’s exactly what he did. Despite the Gunners being somewhat weaker and far less experienced than in years gone by, Henry managed to drag his team kicking and screaming to a first-ever UEFA Champions League final. Titi was in sensational form throughout the knockout stages, putting on man-of-the-match performances in the victories against heavyweights Juventus and Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, that campaign would end in disappointment as Arsenal’s ten men were defeated in the Paris showpiece courtesy of late goals from Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti. Things got even worse for Henry just over a month later as he would lose another huge final in Berlin, dropping a penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the World Cup.
Cesc Fabregas
In 2007, Cesc Fabregas emerged as the jewel in the Arsenal crown. The midfield maestro finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings at just 20 years of age. The La Masia academy product orchestrated Arsenal’s midfield with maturity beyond his years, taking on a much more senior role in the side despite his tender years,
He was pivotal in transitioning the team’s playstyle, characterized by quick, short passes and fluid movement, often called “Wengerball.” In the 2006/07 season, Fabregas’s vision and intelligence were unmatched, as he provided numerous assists and controlled the tempo of the game. His performances were crucial as Arsenal reached the League Cup final and secured a top-four Premier League finish.
Alexis Sanchez
By 2015, Alexis Sanchez had established himself as the star of the show at the Emirates. The Gunners fought off a whole host of clubs to secure the Chilean’s signature from Barcelona in the summer of 2014, forking out over £30m to secure his services. The former Udinese star immediately set about justifying the hefty price tag and lengthy pursuit.
His debut season with the Gunners saw him score 25 goals, leading the North London side to the FA Cup for the second straight season. Sanchez’s ability to play across the front line, coupled with his tenacity and flair, made him a fan favourite. His performances not only helped Arsenal secure silverware but also earned him a place among the world’s elite, as demonstrated by his tenth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or.
