The only thing more outrageous than a Manchester United fan’s delusional support of a mid-table and mid-tier club, is the fact that one defender has won the Ballon d’Or this century. Even worse, however, is the caliber of defenders that have been passed on for the award in place of mediocre (decent at best) players like Messi. What causes this positional prejudice against a team’s most fundamental position? Why do the media glorify second-rate offensive players (people like Messi) when defenders form the backbone of any successful team? Has this always been the case? Join me as we explore this historical bias and why defenders deserve greater recognition.
The History of the Ballon d’Or
Originating in 1956, the Ballon d’Or (or Prejudice Against Defensive Players Award as I like to call it) began as France Football magazine’s recognition of the best player from the previous season. The first recipient, Sir Stanley Matthews, received the award for his 24 goal contributions in the English first division. Six years later, the magazine awarded the honor to its first non-forward player. Josef Masopust, a central midfielder for Dukla Prague, received the recognition as Europe’s best player. The following year, Lev Yashin famously won the Ballon d’Or as the first and only goalkeeper.
But, it wasn’t until 1972 when a defender finally won the prestigious award. Franz Beckenbauer, a German center back, earned it after impressive performances for club and country and winning the Euros. Four years later, Beckenbauer again won the award while repeating his European success. But defenders’ future in the awards didn’t match Beckenbauer’s success. It took two decades for the magazine to recognize the next defender when Matthias Sammer, another German center back, won the honor in 1996. Only ten years later, the next defender, this time an Italian center back for Real Madrid, received the award. Three players, four Ballon d’Ors. That’s all the representation that defenders get.
Why do defenders deserve more dignity?
First, we must examine the criteria for the award. Direct from the UEFA website, the winner of the Ballon d’Or exhibits excellent “individual performances, [as well as] decisive and impressive character.” Furthermore, his “team performances and achievements” juxtapose his own. Finally, the Ballon d’Or recipient demonstrates “class and fair play.” Interestingly, statistical dominance remains outside of the scope of the Ballon d’Or. Yet, attackers – even those without impressive character – consistently outperform defenders even though they persistently excel in the three categories which UEFA highlights.
Therefore, I have defined three compelling arguments that speak to why defenders deserve more recognition. First, defensive excellence wins titles. Second, modern defenders take part in and do more than ever. And finally, culturally, defenders and leadership go hand-in-hand.
Defensive excellence wins titles
A fundamental principle to all of sports, not just soccer, is the importance of defending. From the NBA, MLB, and NFL to the Premier League and beyond, coaches preach a simple truth: “defensive excellence wins titles”. And history has proven them right.
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl because of their elite defense, lead by Ray Lewis. The 2015 Broncos won Super Bowl 50 by shutting down Cam Newton and the Panthers. The Pistons, in 2004, won the NBA finals against a star-studded Lakers because defensive discipline kept the favorites to less than 90 points per game. On the soccer side, Jose Mourinho, alone, has more than proven the importance of defense for title-winning sides. His 2004 Porto team won the Champions League thanks to their organized defensive structure, upsetting Manchester United along the way. Later, in 2010, The Special One’s Inter Milan shut down Barcelona (arguably one of the best teams ever assembled) and Bayern to win the Champions League. And furthermore, Greece (unfortunately not led by Jose Mourinho) stunned the world with their defensive brilliance and won the 2004 Euros despite lacking star power.
Furthermore, in tight games, a single goal can decide the outcome of the entire game or shift the momentum toward one side or the other. With that in mind, defense becomes crucial for retaining control and composure in a game as conceding not only puts the team behind, but gives the other team a burst of energy and forces risky, desperate play from your own team.
Defenders are not just obstacles. They are architects who ensure stability and who dictate the rhythm of the game. These artists lay the foundation for the whole team’s success.
Modern defenders do more than ever
In the modern game, managers and teams expect their defenders (both center backs and outside backs) to be more involved than ever. They simply cannot be defensive powerhouses. Rather, they must possess the ability to start counterattacks, slow the speed of play down, and build out under intense pressure. While one-on-one, open-play defending remains crucial to their role, center backs must also exhibit aerial dominance while defending and attacking set pieces. Additionally, outside backs (the likes of Alphonso Davies) must sprint up the field to stretch the opposition defense and sprint back to cover the team from counter-attacks. Furthermore, tactical intelligence is essential, defenders constantly having to adjust to their team’s immediate, in-game needs: maintaining a high-line, communicating with their teammates to keep them in position, knowing when to invert, and countless other tactical responsibilities. Additionally, defenders play an increasing role in the actual attack, itself. Because of the dawn of high-lines and possession based football, defenders must execute the same technical feats but with higher precision to avoid counter-attacks or subdue risks.
Astonishingly, even when attacking, defense is still present. The modern philosophy of a rest defense preaches that your attacking shape should still provide sufficient defensive coverage. For example, Liverpool’s rest defense is notoriously effective. They play in tight spaces which ensures that Liverpool can overwhelm the opposition by swarming the ball after losing it. Indeed, many other teams now employ this tactic, exacting increasingly higher demands on their defenders.
Again, defenders are not simply obstacles. Now, more than ever, they have the most responsibilities. Defenders have to consistently execute at a near perfect level to ensure a team’s success. Their flawless execution in the back line bears consequences far beyond the defensive phase of the game. It affects the offense, the buildout, the organization, set pieces and numerous other aspects. Put simply, everything starts at and builds from the back.
Defenders are leaders
Finally, defenders often embody the heart and soul of a team. They provide leadership and hope beyond tactical organization. Their constant communication and inspiring demeanor make them natural captains. Historically, some of the most motivating leaders in the sports history. Tony Adams, Franz Beckenbauer, John Terry, and countless others have modeled resilience, discipline, and grit for their teammates. Puyol, for instance, became Barcelona’s moral anchor because of his relentless work ethic and self-sacrifice. Ramos, similarly embodied passion and physical intensity while Maldini lead AC Milan with quiet authority. But the common thread, is that these players often lifted their team’s spirits and performances in critical moments, turning the tide toward their favor. These players weren’t just defenders, they represented something much greater than themselves or their position. They stood for the values of the game – hard work, intensity, respect, passion, intelligence. They took teams overflowing with star power and grounded them in a selfless passion that inspired these galacticos to play for something other than themselves.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or claims to reward individual brilliance, decisive character, and contributions to team success. Yet, time and time again, defenders are overlooked despite exemplifying those very qualities. The media’s bias towards flare and goal-scorers clouds the soccer community’s mind from acknowledging and awarding defenders’ brilliance. Their tactical excellence and technical diversity proves their individual brilliance. Their leadership confirms their decisive character. And the importance of a sound defensive foundation corroborates their contributions to team success. That being said, football is not just about flair or finishing. It’s about discipline, strategy, teamwork. Defenders, more than any other position, reflect these broader values of the game. It is time for the Ballon d’Or to recognize their impact with the dignity they deserve.
