Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former Real Madrid manager, once spoke about a player who, despite having an illustrious career filled with silverware, never managed to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or but was, in his view, more than deserving of it. Zidane’s admiration was directed toward Andres Iniesta, a footballer whose quiet demeanor off the pitch was matched by his brilliance on it.
In January 2011, Lionel Messi was named the winner of the first-ever FIFA Ballon d’Or, beating out his Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Messi’s staggering 47 goals during the 2009/10 season and his contribution to Barcelona’s La Liga triumph made him an obvious candidate for the award. However, there were many voices in the football world who felt Iniesta deserved to take home the accolade, especially considering his role in Spain’s victory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Iniesta’s dramatic goal in extra time sealed Spain’s first-ever World Cup title, and his overall influence throughout the tournament was immense.
Zidane, looking back on that period, believed that Iniesta’s contributions to football had not been adequately rewarded. As Iniesta prepared to play his final El Clasico in 2018, Zidane praised the Spanish midfielder’s incredible career and spoke of the deep respect he held for him, both as a player and as a person. Zidane commented on how difficult it was to see a player of Iniesta’s caliber leave the game, acknowledging not just his talents on the field but also his humility and reserved nature off of it. Zidane expressed his admiration for Iniesta’s character, stating that he was a player who could “do everything on the field” yet remained calm and gracious outside the spotlight. He added that it was clear, especially after Iniesta’s World Cup-winning performance, that he should have won the Ballon d’Or in 2010.
Although Iniesta finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting that year, earning a respectable 17.36 percent of the vote, he remained characteristically humble. When reflecting on his close finish, Iniesta downplayed any sense of disappointment, instead focusing on the pride he felt in seeing himself, Xavi, and Messi—three products of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy—sharing the podium. For Iniesta, this moment of unity and achievement was more significant than the individual honor of winning the award itself. He maintained this perspective even years later, explaining that while it would have been gratifying to win the Ballon d’Or, he did not harbor any feelings of injustice or frustration. Instead, he expressed satisfaction with his career accomplishments and gratitude for the recognition he received.
Zidane Reflects on Iniesta’s Career and His Missed Ballon d’Or Opportunity
Iniesta, now 40 years old, recently announced his retirement from professional football, capping off an extraordinary career that spanned over two decades. His journey was filled with numerous trophies, accolades, and unforgettable moments, including his vital role in some of football’s most memorable victories. While he may have never claimed the Ballon d’Or, his influence on the sport and the respect he commands from peers like Zidane have cemented his place as one of football’s all-time greats.
Zinedine Zidane, one of the most iconic figures in football, once shared his thoughts on a player who, despite an outstanding career brimming with success, never received the individual honor of the Ballon d’Or. According to Zidane, this player deserved the prestigious award more than most, yet his extraordinary talent and contributions were never rewarded with that golden trophy. The player Zidane was referring to is none other than Andres Iniesta, a footballer whose quiet demeanor off the pitch was only surpassed by his brilliance and influence on it.
In January 2011, Lionel Messi was crowned the winner of the first-ever FIFA Ballon d’Or, beating out fellow Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Messi’s remarkable 2009/10 season saw him score an astonishing 47 goals across all competitions, which was his highest tally at that point in his career. His performances were instrumental in helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title with a staggering 99 points.
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