He never shied away from declaring, “I am the best player in the world” to anyone who would listen. Yes, his ego might be a bit above average, but recognizing one’s personal strengths is often considered a positive trait. So why shouldn’t Zlatan Ibrahimovic be in contention for the “Golden Ball”?
For months, the 2013 “Golden Ball” was believed to be a contest between Messi, Ronaldo, and Ribéry, with the latter considered the overwhelming favorite. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic deserves equal consideration, especially after his stellar performance in the Champions League against Anderlecht. The Swedish striker should already be on the list of contenders for the following year.
A one-of-a-kind player, Ibrahimovic constantly dazzles the football world with his exceptional goals and assists, showcasing his unique style and inventiveness on the field. His recent performance against Anderlecht, including a remarkable third goal, highlights his quintessential skills.
What is he missing to become one of the top 3 players in the world? With Messi’s four Ballon d’Or titles, Ibrahimovic faces tough competition. To displace Messi, he must shine on the European stage, secure the French championship with PSG, and lead the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Ibrahimovic has been criticized for underperforming in direct confrontations with top teams, and these big clashes will determine if he has the credentials for the Golden Ball.
Iniesta seems slightly behind for the season, and Ribéry, the best European player in 2013, has the potential for another great season with Bayern. However, it would be surprising if Bayern achieved another treble, and Ribéry had an epic 2014 World Cup with France.
The 2014 World Cup could be the deciding factor. A potential Sweden-Portugal showdown could see Ibrahimovic outshine Cristiano Ronaldo and secure his country’s place in the World Cup. If Sweden makes it to the quarter-finals, Ibrahimovic’s chances of winning the Golden Ball could significantly improve.
At 31, Ibrahimovic must capitalize on his strong start to the season, and the World Cup will play a crucial role in determining the best player. Despite his talent, Ibrahimovic’s behavior and strong character might work against him, as football authorities often scrutinize off-field conduct. Nevertheless, Ibrahimovic, much like Eric Cantona, is more than just a football player and deserves to win the Golden Ball at least once in his career. So, could 2014 be the year for Ibrahimovic to claim the Golden Ball?
