Balakhnin Names Top Ballon d’Or Contenders, Omits Messi
Former Rostov head coach Sergei Balakhnin publicly revealed his top three choices for the Ballon d’Or, a reminder that opinions about the coveted prize vary widely among observers. He did not place Lionel Messi among his finalists, a stance that drew attention from fans and media alike. The remarks were cited by Euro-Football.Ru, amplifying the conversation around this year’s award race.
Balakhnin expressed clear admiration for individual talent while sticking to his personal assessment. He acknowledged Messi with respect but explained that he would withhold an award for the Argentine star this season. In Balakhnin’s view, a player of Mbappe’s caliber cannot be overlooked. He also highlighted the football intelligence of Kevin De Bruyne, noting that Haaland brings physical prowess, Mbappe brings speed, and De Bruyne brings cerebral planning to the game. The coach summarized his perspective by naming his three favorites as Haaland, Mbappe, and De Bruyne in that exact order, underscoring a blend of youth, speed, and tactical acumen that defines modern football at the highest level.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 30, a date that typically becomes a focal point for clubs, players, and fans as the global football calendar nears its apex. The anticipation around the ceremony reflects the broader pattern of annual awards that celebrate both outstanding individual performances and the influence of players within team success.
At the club level, the players mentioned by Balakhnin have achieved remarkable milestones. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne represent Manchester City, a club that clinched both the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League in the preceding season. Haaland has continued to emerge as a prolific scorer, while De Bruyne has demonstrated consistent creativity and leadership in midfield. Mbappe, meanwhile, has extended his dominance in French football with Paris Saint-Germain and has been central to the team’s domestic success, including a title win and multiple decisive appearances on the European stage. His ambition and pace keep him at the forefront of any Ballon d’Or discussion, especially when considering his performance in high-pressure situations.
Messi’s career arc remains a defining element of contemporary football. He captained Argentina to a World Cup trophy in 2022, a result that reinforced his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Following his stint with Paris Saint-Germain, he transitioned to Inter Miami in a move that drew substantial attention from leagues worldwide and sparked discussion about the evolving landscape of the sport across continents. The impact of Messi’s presence on MLS has been a talking point among analysts evaluating how the league’s growth affects global player recognition and award dynamics.
Looking ahead, observers will weigh different factors as the Ballon d’Or voting period unfolds. Ballon d’Or contenders are typically judged not only on goal numbers and assists but also on their influence in key matches, consistency across competitions, and contributions to team success in domestic leagues and continental tournaments. The selection process often reflects shifts in form, injuries, and tactical innovations that shape how players are valued by peers, coaches, and media representatives worldwide. The ongoing debate about Messi’s eligibility or ranking in any given year remains a testament to the lasting interest in his career and the broader narrative of football excellence.
As fans await the ceremony, the broader conversation in football circles continues to focus on the evolving balance between individual achievement and collective accomplishment. The top three identified by Balakhnin—Haaland, Mbappe, and De Bruyne—illustrate a blend of youth, speed, and cerebral playmaking that continues to define the sport’s latest era. The award, while personal in nature, also reflects how a player’s environment, team success, and adaptability influence perceptions of greatness. In this context, Messi’s enduring legacy remains a benchmark against which current stars are measured, even as opinions diverge regarding this year’s top honor.
Note: All opinions attributed to Balakhnin are cited from Euro-Football.Ru. The article maintains that the Ballon d’Or is a celebration of individual brilliance within the broader framework of team achievement and the evolving story of football across the world.