• TheFriar@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      I mean, this is a yearly award. So…

      Also, the World Cup win was absolutely historic, topping off the career of one of, if not the best to ever play the game. He was undoubtedly instrumental in that WC win—that entire WC run, let alone the final. I honestly think it couldn’t NOT go to him as a send off. He decided to step back after reaching the top—and he finally reached the top literally in this balon d’or cycle. If that doesn’t deserve a win, I’m not sure I know what does.

      • idefix@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        But why did he receive the trophy the previous year? He achieved nothing and was completely transparent at PSG.

        • TheFriar@lemm.ee
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          1 year ago

          I mean, 30 league goals, surpassing Pele’s single club goal scoring record…that’s…kind of achieving something? What’s the counter-argument in the face of breaking the previously (near-)undisputed great’s record? You’d have equally, if not a more convincing argument against NOT giving it to him when breaking Pele’s club career goal scoring record.

          There will always be people who argue against the winner. But breaking such a longstanding, massive record of a legend? It’s not really hard to understand the reasons for giving it to him. Like it or not, this award has interesting criteria for the winner. Massive milestones like this always outweigh more than a long season+ of solid performances.

    • Xanadia@lemmy.worldB
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      1 year ago

      these little things he is doing are still miles ahead of everyone else and the reason people go to the stadium. there is no second best.

  • Hallenbeck Lemmy@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I don’t think Haaland coming second is a fair representation of his stature as a striker enjoying the fruits of exceptional service. He’s notably worse when Rodri and KDB aren’t playing. The fact that goal scorers like Haaland get votes highlights what a weird award Ballon d’Or is. The focus should be on the team award with secondary individual awards for best positions (best 9, best 10, best wingers, 6, fullbacks, centrebacks, and gk).