The REAL Reason Why Henry NEVER Won The Ballon D'Or
Daily Dose Of Football・15 minutes read
Pelé and Maradona would have won the Ballon D’Or if eligible, unlike goalkeepers like Buffon and Kahn. Thierry Henry's quest for the award was hindered by a lack of impact in key moments, overshadowed by world champions and teammates, despite impressive records and performances.
Insights
- Pelé and Maradona, though ineligible for the Ballon D'Or, were deemed potential winners by France Football, indicating their exceptional talent and impact on the sport.
- Thierry Henry's Ballon D'Or aspirations were hindered by factors like the absence of a Champions League trophy, lack of key moment impact, and competition from world champions, showcasing the complexities and challenges faced by even highly accomplished players in achieving this prestigious accolade.
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Recent questions
Did Thierry Henry ever win the Ballon D'Or?
No
What impacted Thierry Henry's move to Real Madrid?
Lawsuit
Who recognized Thierry Henry's talent early on?
Arséne Wenger
What impacted Thierry Henry's performance at Barcelona?
Teammates overshadowed
Why was the Premier League not considered the top league during Henry's prime?
Domestic-focused achievements
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Summary
00:00
"Ballon D'Or: Pelé, Maradona, and Henry"
- Pelé and Maradona were not eligible for the Ballon D’Or, but France Football later stated they would have won if eligible.
- Goalkeepers like Buffon and Kahn are less likely to win the Ballon D’Or.
- Ferenc Puskas was a strong contender, but Pelé's eligibility would have impacted the outcome.
- Thierry Henry, despite numerous achievements, never won the Ballon D’Or.
- Henry's early reluctance towards football changed when he excelled at Monaco's academy.
- Arséne Wenger recognized Henry's talent and brought him to the first team.
- Henry's move to Real Madrid was halted due to a lawsuit, leading to his successful stint at Arsenal.
- Henry's transformation into a prolific goal scorer at Arsenal was unexpected but crucial.
- Despite impressive performances, Henry faced disappointments in finals and major competitions.
- Henry's exceptional season with Arsenal's invincibles team did not secure him the Ballon D’Or, with his lack of impact in key moments being a factor.
11:47
Thierry Henry's Underrated Legacy in Football
- The Premier League wasn't considered the top league globally during Henry's prime, leading many to overlook his achievements, viewing them as more domestic-focused compared to other players like Deco and Ronaldinho.
- Henry's quest for the Ballon D'Or was hindered by the absence of a Champions League trophy, despite his impressive records and consecutive European Golden Boots. His near-miss in the 2006 final against Barcelona, followed by a disappointing World Cup, left him overshadowed by world champions Cannavaro and Buffon in the Ballon D'Or rankings.
- Henry's move to Barcelona for around £20 million saw initial struggles under Rijkaard but flourished under Guardiola, contributing significantly to their Champions League triumph. However, he was often overshadowed by teammates like Messi and Eto'o, leading to a disappointing 15th place finish in the Ballon D'Or rankings and eventual retirement from European football after a brief return to Arsenal.
