The Digest:
France Football's 2020 Ballon d'Or Dream Team includes football legends like Messi, Ronaldo, and Ronaldo Nazario. However, five renowned stars never won the award despite their remarkable careers. Here’s what you need to know about the squad and the ones left out.
Key Points:
- Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin (1963 winner, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or).
- Defenders: Cafu (Brazil, never won), Beckenbauer (Germany, 2-time winner), Paolo Maldini (Italy, never won).
- Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez (Spain, never won), Lothar Matthäus (Germany, 1990 winner), Maradona (Argentina, never won, ineligible in his prime).
- Forwards: Pelé (Brazil, never won, ineligible during his era), Messi (Argentina, multiple-time winner), Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil, 2-time winner), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, multiple-time winner).
The Dream Team, comprised of football icons, features both winners and those deserving but unrecognized by the Ballon d'Or. A reminder of greatness that transcends individual awards.
Sources: Daily Mail, Vanguard
