Ballon d’Or 2019 Nominations: Who Stood Out in Football’s Biggest Awards?
The Ballon d’Or is football’s ultimate individual accolade, celebrating the world’s best players for their performances over the season. Each year, fans, pundits, and players eagerly await the announcement, speculating who will claim the coveted golden trophy.
In 2019, the nominations were hotter than ever, with global stars from Europe’s top leagues all competing for the top spot. From blistering pace to jaw-dropping goals, this was a year where attacking football truly shone, and the competition was fierce.
Ballon d'Or 2019 Winner: Lionel Messi
It should come as no surprise that Lionel Messi walked away with the 2019 Ballon d’Or. The Barcelona superstar continued to dazzle, scoring 50 goals across all competitions and securing a La Liga title for the Catalan giants. Messi’s dribbling, vision, and finishing were unmatched, proving yet again why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time.
For fans in the UK and across the globe, Messi’s 2019 season wasn’t just about numbers—it was about artistry on the pitch, reminding everyone why he’s a perennial favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
Top Contenders of 2019
While Messi claimed the trophy, several other players had stellar campaigns that made the voting process incredibly close. Players like Virgil van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sadio Mané captured attention with their remarkable seasons at Liverpool, Juventus, and beyond. Their contributions weren’t just statistics; they influenced games, lifted their teams, and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Player Spotlight: Top 5 Nominees
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina / Barcelona)
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Why he stood out: 50 goals in all competitions, La Liga title, unmatched dribbling, and creative genius. Messi’s 2019 was a masterclass in attacking football.
2. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands / Liverpool)
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Why he stood out: Defensive rock of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Van Dijk brought stability, strength, and leadership to the backline, redefining what a defender can achieve.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Juventus)
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Why he stood out: Another prolific season with Juventus, scoring over 30 goals and helping his team secure the Serie A title. Ronaldo’s consistency and incredible goal-scoring record kept him firmly in the conversation.
4. Sadio Mané (Senegal / Liverpool)
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Why he stood out: A lethal winger for Liverpool, Mané terrorised defences with pace, skill, and eye-catching goals. He was a key figure in Liverpool’s Champions League run.
5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
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Why he stood out: Salah continued his brilliant Premier League form, providing goals, assists, and moments of magic that made Liverpool one of Europe’s most feared teams.
Top 15 Ballon d’Or 2019 Nominees
| Rank | Player | Country | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2 | Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | Liverpool |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Juventus |
| 4 | Sadio Mané | Senegal | Liverpool |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool |
| 6 | Kylian Mbappé | France | PSG |
| 7 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Bayern Munich |
| 8 | Alisson Becker | Brazil | Liverpool |
| 9 | Bernardo Silva | Portugal | Manchester City |
| 10 | Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | Manchester City |
| 11 | Antoine Griezmann | France | Barcelona |
| 12 | Frenkie de Jong | Netherlands | Barcelona |
| 13 | Sergio Agüero | Argentina | Manchester City |
| 14 | Jan Oblak | Slovenia | Atlético Madrid |
| 15 | Raheem Sterling | England | Manchester City |
2019 was a year where attacking flair, defensive mastery, and individual brilliance all collided. For fans in the UK, the Ballon d’Or remains a celebration of the game we love—a reminder of why we watch, cheer, and dream.
Whether you’re a Messi loyalist, a Van Dijk admirer, or just love football in its purest form, the 2019 Ballon d’Or season had something for every fan.
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