The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual trophy in football. All players dream of one day winning it and being considered the best player on the planet. However, for several years different observers believe that it has lost its value.
Between winners not necessarily deserving or a voting system that leaves something to be desired, some have always expressed some reservations regarding this prize.
During the 2005-2006 season, it was Fabio Cannavaro who was elected Ballon d’Or ahead of players like Gianluigi Buffon, Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane.
The Italian defender had gleaned the trophy thanks to the success of the Squadra Azzurra during the 2006 World Cup. The captain had a sensational tournament by establishing himself as the best defender of the tournament.
However, many observers believe that the former Juventus and Real Madrid player did not deserve the trophy. This is the case of the journalist for The Channel TEAM Didier Roustan. In an interview for So Foot, the journalist claims that he would have given it to two other players.
“The Ballon d’Or that displeased me? Without doubt that of Cannavaro. It’s not that I didn’t like it. He is an intractable defender and he certainly played his role well in this 2006 World Cup. This Golden Ball should have gone to Zidane, but for his insane gesture on Materrazzi, we could not give it to him. I would have preferred Pirlo, it’s more in line with what I like,” he declared.
Didier Roustan on the Ballon d’Or which displeased him the most:
“No doubt Cannavaro’s. It’s not that I didn’t like it: he’s an uncompromising defender and he certainly played his role well in this 2006 World Cup. This Golden Ball should have gone to Zidane, but for… pic.twitter.com/39SASESLco
— Footballogue (@Footballlogue) November 2, 2023
The Frenchman finished in 4th position while the Italian strategist finished in the Top 10 in 9th position.
