Ballon d’Or: Sneijder settles scores with Messi

Published:

By: Manu Tournoux

Ballon d'Or: Sneijder settles scores with Messi

Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan player Wesley Sneijder says he should have won the 2010 Ballon d’Or over Lionel Messi.

Wesley Sneijder enjoyed a superb campaign in 2009/10, when JosĂ© Mourinho’s Inter won the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble.

Sneijder’s Netherlands then lost the 2010 World Cup final to Spain in South Africa.

Messi won La Liga in 2009/10 and the Champions League in 2009 and 2011, before winning his second Ballon d’Or.

The Batavian finished fourth in the final voting list for the 2010 trophy. Messi received 22% of the votes, ahead of his Barcelona teammates Andres Iniesta (17%), Xavi (16%) and Sneijder (14%).

The frustration over Messi’s victory remains a sore subject for Sneijder, who retired from football in 2019, but the defeat to Spain in the final is the biggest regret of his career.

“ It was a bit unfair that I didn’t win the 2010 Ballon d’Or and Messi did,” he said in an interview with Egyptian channel Alhayah TV.

“But I’m not the type to cry about it.” The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, and I prefer to win collective trophies.

“If I had to choose between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, I would choose the Champions League which I won, I am very happy with this title.

“We deserved to win the 2010 final against Spain, but the Spanish were incredible and beat us. Reaching the final was a wonderful achievement that I dreamed of and I am still heartbroken to have lost.”

Sneijder’s fourth place finish in 2010 is the only time in his career he has finished in the top ten in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Manu Tournoux

Written by:

Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.