Sports
Ballon d’ Or: Three EPL Players Who Were Robbed Of Past Awards
Published
4 years agoon
By
Editor
With nine days left to announce the winner for this year’s Ballon d’Or, DAILY POST highlights the three English Premier League, EPL, players who were robbed of the award in the past.
The winner for the Ballon d’Or 2021 will be announced on November 29.
DAILY POST reports that three EPL players deserved to win the Ballon d’Or in the past.
The EPL has been host to a lot of world-class and talented players from across the world.
EPL top clubs, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, have had great players in the past and even currently.
READ ALSO: EPL: Wenger Reveals Two Players He Regrets Not Signing For Arsenal
Players such as Thierry Henry, Sergio Aguero, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard have all done great exploits in the Premier League in the past and won prizes in the English top-flight league.
However, the most coveted individual award in football, the Ballon d’Or, has not found its way to England too often.
Since the English domestic league was rebranded and remodelled as the EPL in 1992, only two players from the English top-flight league have won the Ballon d’ Or – Liverpool’s Michael Owen (2001) and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (2008).
DAILY POST highlights three EPL players who had incredible seasons for their clubs in the past but were overlooked for the Ballon d’Or award:
1. Thierry Henry – (Arsenal)
In the 2002-2003 season, the world of football witnessed something bewildering when Juventus’s Pavel Nedved was awarded the Ballon d’Or award ahead of Henry.
Henry had put up mind-boggling numbers that season, scoring 32 goals and registering a stellar 28 assists for the Gunners.
The former France international also had 29 more goal contributions than his Czech counterpart, Nedved.
To say it was the biggest robbery in world football history would be an understatement.
However, despite the snub, Henry continued his impressive display on the pitch for several years.
He finished a surprising third in the 2006 Ballon d’Or race, finishing behind defender Fabio Cannavaro and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
2. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
In the 2018-2019 season, Van Dijk played in all of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games.
The Dutch defender averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 offsides and an amazing 5.2 clearances per game.
He was also instrumental in Liverpool’s sixth triumph in the Champions League.
His performances for Jurgen Klopp’s side earned him praise from across the world, with many naming him favourite to win the Ballon d’Or award that year.
READ ALSO: 2022 World Cup: FIFA Changes Rule For Two Play-off Games
However, Van Dijk finished second in the final voting round, losing out on the award to former Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, by just seven votes.
3. Eric Cantona – (Manchester United)
Having finished in the third position in the Ballon d’Or rankings in the 1992-1993 season with Leeds, Cantona was expected to win the award with Manchester United.
The former France international scored 24 goals and registered 13 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
However, the former forward did not even finish in the top three of the Ballon d’Or race as Barcelona’s Hristo Stoichkov won the award, with Juventus’s Roberto Baggio and AC Milan’s Paolo Maldini finishing second and third, respectively.
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Sports
Enabulele Celebrates Edo Deputy Governor on Birthday
Published
2 days agoon
August 12, 2025By
Editor
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement issued on Monday through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described Idahosa as a true democrat, a results-driven leader, and a high-flyer.
“You have continued to distinguish yourself in all your endeavours. Even as a young legislator, your impactful representation and laudable stewardship exemplify the true definition of a performer, earning you the admiration of many,” he said.
Enabulele further noted that Idahosa’s life is a testament to the importance of loyalty and respect, particularly in his current role as a supportive Deputy Governor. “You have stood firmly behind your boss, and that epitomizes true leadership,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Engaged, Set To Get Married
“As you celebrate another milestone, I join family, friends, and well-wishers across the globe in acknowledging your humility, commitment, and determination to ensure Edo State continues to rise under Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda,” Enabulele added.
He commended the Deputy Governor’s unwavering dedication to nation-building, his vision for a better Edo, and his commitment to advancing and safeguarding the interests of all Edo people, regardless of status or circumstance, describing these qualities as “worthy of emulation.”
“We pray that Almighty God continues to grant you wisdom, good health, sound mind, happiness, and joy as you celebrate another year,” the statement concluded.
Sports
Edo SWAN Felicitates Deputy Governor On Birth Anniversary
Published
2 days agoon
August 12, 2025By
Editor
The Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, has felicitated with deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on his birth anniversary.
A felicitation message jointly signed by Comrade Kehind Osagiede and Comrade Idahosa Moses, Edo SWAN Chairman and Secretary, on behalf of all sports writers in the state said, ”all of us at SWAN in Edo state are delighted over this milestone and wish that many more celebrations come your way now and always.”
The duo, in the message, while describing the deputy governor as a man of “honour, candour and commitment to public good as you have aptly demonstrated in the task of sports and youths development in Edo state,” acknowledged his support and encouragement to the body since he assumed office.
READ ALSO: Use Edo By-election As Template For APC’s Victory In 2027, Idahosa Urges Residents
The message reads: “Your dedication to serving the people of Edo State and your insightful contributions to good governance is highly commendable
“Today, we celebrate a visionary leader who is propelling the sports sector to unprecedented heights.
“As you celebrate this special day, we wish Your Excellency good health and fulfillment in all your aspirations.”
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Engaged, Set To Get Married
Published
2 days agoon
August 11, 2025By
Editor
Georgina Rodríguez has confirmed that she is engaged to Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
She revealed this in a post on social media on Monday.
Ronaldo met Georgina in a Madrid fashion store, and they have been together for almost 10 years.
The couple have two children together, with Rodríguez acting as stepmother to his other three children.
READ ALSO:Cristiano Ronaldo Pens Deal With Al Nassr Until 2027
They have been repeatedly bombarded with questions over the years about when they would get married.
Georgina posted a photo of a large ring on her wedding finger and wrote: “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives.”
Ronaldo had previously said they were not married yet because the timing was not “quite right.”
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