The Ballon d'Or should recognize the best football player in the world, regardless of his team's accomplishments. A player's performance should count. The goals should count. The numbers should count. But not all of these should decide the winner of the prize. It must honor the footballer who was exceptional and played a pivotal role for his team throughout the year.
That is what makes the contrast between Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Rodri quite interesting. Yamal is a great example of an individual talent. Cubarsí exemplifies defense and maturity beyond his years. Rodri stands for control and dominance in midfield.
Who At Barcelona Is Fit To Win?
Yamal's philosophy on the award is particularly relevant before diving into each player. When recently speaking to L'Équipe, the Barcelona star stated: “The Ballon d'Or, as you say, is the trophy that rewards the best player of the year, the exceptional player, the one you enjoy watching play, to the point of watching a match just for him. I think that's what it is: an exceptional player. It has nothing to do with the number of goals he scores or anything else. When I think of the Ballon d'Or, I think of (Lionel) Messi, Ronaldinho, players like them, who are different and who make you smile when you watch them.”
The Deep Dive
Yamal's description strengthens Yamal's case. The Barcelona winger's attacking flair stems from his knack for creating something from nothing. His dribbling, creativity, passing, and attacking skills make him a unique player, and he certainly is not just a goal scorer. This player brings about changes in the way teams play against Barcelona due to his mere presence.
On the other hand, Cubarsí stands for something entirely different. The talented Barcelona defender has established himself as an integral part of Barcelona's defense and also as a vital member of the Spain team. His passing, positioning, composure, and ability to play under pressure are truly commendable considering he is a central defender of such a tender age.
Then there is Rodri. The Spanish midfielder provides perhaps the strongest argument against reducing the Ballon d'Or to attacking statistics. His influence comes through controlling matches, dictating tempo, winning possession, and giving his team stability. When Rodri is at his best, the entire structure of his team functions differently.
So who deserves the award?
Lamine Yamal is the fan favorite, given his past season; his stats do much of the talking. Cubarsí’s case is powerful and Rodri’s impact arguably more nuanced and system-wide. But Yamal has the ingredients that make a Ballon d’Or winner stand out: individual brilliance, statistical production, creativity, importance to his team, and the ability to make people watch football just because he is playing.
The Ballon d’Or should not ask, “Who won the most? It should ask: “Who was the player we could least afford to watch someone else play? Right now, that answer is Yamal, and he's not even 20 years old. However, would fans truly be sad if Yamal received a second pace finish and Messi added one final Balloon d'Or?However, would fans truly be sad if Yamal received a second-place finish and Messi added one final Ballon d'Or?
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