The Ballon d’Or is an esteemed award in football that recognises the player who has consistently performed the best throughout the year. Recently, there has been discussion about how the 2004 Ballon d’Or nominees were far more superior compared to this year’s, sparking a debate about how we compare players from different eras.
The initial reaction was in agreement because the 2004 nominees are considered legends in the modern game, but it makes one wonder if our nostalgia is influencing our perspective or if the 2004 class was indeed a stronger group of talented footballers. To explore this further, one has to take a closer look at the nominees from both 2004 and 2024. This comparison leads us to contemplate whether, after 20 years, we will view the nominees from 2024 with the same admiration as we do with the legends of 2004. Are we unfairly comparing players who are still in the midst of their careers to those who have already cemented their legacies?
The Icons of 2004
The list of nominees for the 2004 Ballon d’Or is a compilation of footballing legends, many of whom went on to shape modern football. However, as we reflect on these players today, it is important to question if we are focusing solely on their performances in 2004 or considering their entire careers.
Ronaldinho (24 years old): In 2004, Ronaldinho was already captivating the world with his dazzling displays for Barcelona. His creativity, flair, and joy on the field made him an instant icon. While his peak was yet to come, this was the year that marked his emergence as a global star.
Thierry Henry (27 years old): After Arsenal’s “Invincibles” season, Henry was at the peak of his career in 2004. His speed, vision, and finishing made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. This was arguably his best individual season.
Andriy Shevchenko (28 years old): The lethal AC Milan striker sealed his outstanding 2004 season with the Ballon d’Or. His clinical finishing, tactical awareness, and leadership made him a complete forward, and at 28, he was at the peak of his abilities.
Pavel Nedvěd (32 years old): Nedvěd, the winner of the 2003 Ballon d’Or, was still a driving force for Juventus in 2004. A tireless midfielder with a thunderous shot and tactical intelligence, he was one of the most influential players in the game, even in the later stages of his career.
Zinedine Zidane (32 years old): By 2004, Zidane was already a living legend. Although his performances that year did not match those of his younger counterparts, his reputation as one of the greatest midfielders ever meant he was still a giant in the game.
Other notable 2004 Ballon d’Or nominees: Deco (Portugal, Porto, Barcelona) Adriano (Brazil, Parma, Inter) Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus) Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands, Manchester United) Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, Mallorca, Barcelona) Luis Figo (Portugal, Real Madrid) Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United) – (19 years old) Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea) Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal, Porto, Chelsea) Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United) (19 years old) Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden, Ajax, Juventus) Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Marseille, Chelsea).
It is safe to say that this was an exceptional year! At that time, many of these players were either at their peak or approaching it, with a few, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, only beginning their journey. Today, it is difficult to think of these players without considering everything they went on to achieve in the following years. This retrospective view may be influencing how we perceive their greatness in comparison to more recent players.
The Rising Stars of 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and we see a new generation of rising football stars gaining global recognition. While some have already established themselves as world-class talents, many are still building their legacies. When comparing the nominees of 2024 to those of 2004, it is important to keep in mind that the current players are still in the process of writing their own stories.
Kylian Mbappé, at only 25 years old, has already achieved great success with a World Cup win and multiple domestic titles with PSG. However, his best years are still ahead of him.
Erling Haaland, also 24 years old, is redefining the role of a striker with his physicality and scoring abilities. Despite being young, he has already broken several records and has a bright future ahead.
Vinícius Júnior, one of Real Madrid’s most dynamic players, has displayed impressive skill and creativity on the field. While he is a key player, he still has room to grow and reach his full potential.
Jude Bellingham, though only 21 years old, has shown maturity and leadership beyond his years as a linchpin in both Real Madrid and England’s midfield. His potential is limitless and he is just scratching the surface.
The unsung hero of Manchester City’s success, 27-year-old Rodri controls the tempo of games and dominates the midfield with precision. He is currently at the peak of his career and is considered one of the best midfielders in the game.
The full list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or include players from various countries and clubs, with an average age of 25.68, compared to the 2004 list which had an average age of 29. This reflects the fact that the 2024 group is approaching their peak years, making it harder to compare them to players who were already at their peak in 2004.
People who have witnessed both eras, may be biased towards the 2004 nominees as they seemed to define football in a monumental way. However, one must acknowledge that this could be due to nostalgia. It is easy to let the full careers of the 2004 nominees cloud judgement when comparing them to younger players who have only recently started showcasing their talents. The game itself has also evolved, with more emphasis on possession-based football and less room for individual creativity.
While players like Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham still shine in this system, it is worth considering how we would view them if the game was more open like it was in the early 2000s. It is important to question if we are being fair to the current generation of players when comparing them to the legends of 2004. Only time will tell if players like Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham will be remembered as giants of the game, or if there was something truly special about the 2004 era.
Regardless, both years have an abundance of talent and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for these young stars. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 28th in Paris.
