4 Unlucky players to miss out on the Ballon d’Or in the past decade

#2 Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona and Spain)

The Spanish maestro is one of the greatest players to have never won the Ballon d’Or. The Spaniard was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup and Euro triumphs and became the torch-bearer of Spain’s golden generation.

In 2010, he was nominated in the Top 3 along with La Masia teammates, Xavi and Lionel Messi. However, he was pipped to the award by Lionel Messi and was consigned to the runner-up spot. Despite him losing out on the award in 2010, his best chance for glory came in 2012.

In the same year, Iniesta was awarded the UEFA Best Player in Europe. With that award, many believed that Iniesta would finally be rewarded for his sumptuous displays.

In addition to his irresistible performances for Barcelona, he helped Spain defend their Euro crown in 2012. He pulled the strings for Spain and distinguished himself as the best player at the European Championships.

With all these aspects in his favour, a Ballon d’Or seemed in his grasp yet he was overlooked again. Modric is an overwhelming favourite for the award this year, however, Iniesta had a significantly better season in 2012 and deserved to be honoured with the highest individual prize.

Iniesta, being the man that he is, wouldn’t have minded Messi scalping the award but those in the football fraternity felt that one of Spain’s greatest footballers had been robbed of the prize. Hence, he ranks at No.2 in our list.