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It would be justified to say the world has been unfair towards the defenders when it comes to Ballon d'Or. A defender is often subject to harsh criticism for that 'one error' but earns the spotlight only after a series of impeccable tackles.
The same describes the nature of their job as opposed to forwards' who get remembered for the goal they scored. Whether it's a penalty or simply a tap-in, the goalscorer is always remembered!
The pages of the Ballon d'Or history book possess just three defenders — Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro. With Franz Beckenbauer being the only multiple (twice) Ballon d'Or winning defender.
On the other hand, forwards Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the coveted trophy for an inhuman total of six and five respectively.
Over the course of years, especially since the start of the new century, we have witnessed the emergence of supreme quality defenders. The kind that makes any venomous attackers meek. The growing popularity and impact of such anchors made the games much more exciting and eventful.
However, the Ballon d'Or still remained a forbidden fruit for them.
Here is the list of five such defenders who deserved the Ballon d'Or.
#5 Paolo Maldini (AC Milan, Italy)
From 90s, the name 'Maldini' started to resonate with 'The Wall'. The gruesome defender hailing from Milan struck fear in the minds of even the best forwards.
Following in his father's footsteps, Paolo joined the ranks of the Italy and Milan defensive lines and spent a career that spread across 25 years. In the process, achieving so much that not many would ever be able to replicate.
Maldini was the guardian of the famous Invincible Milan's last line. Alongside his club, the Milan native went on a spree to win every trophy at club level and conquer Europe.
The man who has won five Champions Leagues and the oldest player/captain (38 years and 331 days) to win the trophy undoubtedly deserved the Ballon d'Or.
#4 Dani Alves (Brazil/Barcelona)
The former Brazilian international holds a record that no one could match yet. Dani Alves has won a total of 42 major trophies at club and international levels.
The same record reflects the shimmering career that he has had. In his first season with Barcelona, Alves won the treble and he repeated the feat, six years later in 2015.
He was the backbone of Barcelona and Brazil's defense who never shied away from cutting into the opposition half to aid his forwards. The 2019 Copa America Golden Ball winner has won numerous trophies with his national side too.
#3 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Let's forget about the Ballon d'Or for a while. And acknowledge the fact that the world was unaware of a daunting defender called Virgil van Dijk until 2018.
The Merseyside outfit roped in this Dutch defender from Southampton only three years ago. Within the same span, van Dijk rose to be one of the best centre-backs in the modern era, drawing comparisons to even one of the best ever — Sergio Ramos.
The Liverpool number 4 was often the subject of internet feuds between 2019 and 2020. Many tipped him to be better than the existing set of supreme centre-backs, while others thought he had a long way to go.
However, the fact remains unchanged that Virgil van Dijk's quick impact is beyond ordinary. A key figure in Liverpool's constant top-level performances also earned him the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in 2019.
He played a significant role in LFC's 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League victories. The closest he came to the Ballon d'Or was in 2019 (2nd place).
#2 Gerard Piqué (Barcelona/Spain)
Piqué is one of the few players within the world of football who didn't get the attention that he deserved. He was one of the main men behind Spain and Barcelona's sky-rocketing success in the 21st century.
It is not an ordinary job to be a part of both, country and club's dream run. Between 2008 and 2015, Gerard Piqué has won 5 x La Liga, 3 x Copa del Rey, 4 x Spanish Super Cup, 3 x UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Euro 2012. The list also includes two historic trebles with the Catalan side.
If this collection won't be enough for an individual to win a Ballon d'Or, then what is?
#1 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain)
Ramos is probably one of the biggest names in the history of the sport who was expected to lift the Ballon d'Or trophy at least once.
Starting at his boyhood club Sevilla as an amateur, Ramos evolved himself to be the finest defender, leader and a wholesome player the game has ever seen. The lion-hearted center-back was any striker's nightmare. He was the perfect combination of physical and skillful football.
Don't forget his goal-scoring abilities. Especially during clutch moments.
The Andalusian played a key figure in Spain and Real Madrid's major trophy victories on numerous occasions. Despite being a regular face in the FIFA FIFPro XI and UEFA Team of the Year, it is a shame that Sergio Ramos never qualified for the Ballon d'Or podium throughout the career.
However, the former Real Madrid skipper has made a surprise switch to the Parisian side this summer. With so many big names by his side at the new club, Ramos is tipped to be the recipient of multiple club honors in the coming season.
We never know, he might just add an individual accolade called Ballon d'Or between those.
