In the world of football, where the glitter of victory and big names determine the sport’s destiny, one question remains unanswered: is it possible for a goalkeeper, a team defender, to become the winner of the Ballon d’Or? Century after century, this prize, symbolizing greatness and skill in football, represents the achievements of forwards and midfielders, leaving goalkeepers in the shadows. But what if we delve into the world of David De Gea, one of the most outstanding goalkeepers of our time, and consider what are his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or?
When we talk about De Gea, we are talking about a man who is not only a goalkeeper, but also a true pillar of the team. His incredible reflexes, ability to predict the opponent’s actions and ability to keep the team in the game at the most critical moments – all this makes him not just a goalkeeper, but a real leader on the pitch. However, despite all his achievements, the goalkeeper position is traditionally undervalued in the context of individual awards.
The history of the Ballon d’Or shows how footballers, regardless of their position, struggle to gain recognition. Since its inception in 1956, the award has been given primarily to forwards and midfielders. Goalkeepers, such as Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or, remain the exception to the rule. This raises the question: could De Gea be the next goalkeeper to change this tradition?
An important aspect is the impact goalkeepers have on the outcome of matches. Often, it is their actions that are decisive in key moments of the game. De Gea has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to make incredible saves that have saved his team from defeat. In 2018, he was named the best goalkeeper in the world by FIFA, which confirms his high level of skill. However, despite this, he remains in the shadow of more flamboyant strikers such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have consistently won prizes and awards.
But not all is lost. The football world is changing and so are the criteria for evaluating players. There are more and more voices calling for a rethink of the traditional approaches to awards. Goalkeepers like De Gea can be the catalyst for this. Their contribution to the team’s success is becoming more visible and it may be time to recognise them equally with other players.
A major milestone in this process will be De Gea’s success on the international stage and in club competitions. If he can lead his team to victory in the Champions League or the World Cup, this could be a decisive argument for his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or. However, even if his team does not succeed, his individual achievements can play a key role.
It should be noted that the Ballon d’Or is not only about statistics, but also about impact on the game. De Gea, with his outstanding skills, has also become a symbol of reliability and stability for Manchester United. His presence on the pitch inspires confidence in his teammates, which is a valuable quality in itself. Perhaps this is the quality that will be appreciated by the judges when they decide who to award the coveted trophy to.
On the other hand, for De Gea to win the Ballon d’Or, he will need to continue to improve. Football is an unforgiving game, and even one miss can cost the team the victory. Therefore, it is important that he maintains his form and continues to demonstrate a high level of play. Goalkeepers, as a rule, have a longer career than outfield players, and this gives De Gea the opportunity to continue to write his history in the world of football.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to how the perception of the role of the goalkeeper in modern football is changing. Each year, more and more attention is paid to the tactical aspects of the game, and goalkeepers are becoming important links in attacking combinations. They are no longer just defenders, but players who can start attacks and participate in the game in the opponent’s half. This opens up new horizons for assessing their contribution to the success of the team.
However, even if De Gea does not win the Ballon d’Or, his influence on football will be undeniable. He has already become part of history and his name will be mentioned among the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Perhaps this is the real reward – to leave a mark on the history of football, regardless of the individual awards.
So the question of whether a goalkeeper, especially one as talented as David De Gea, can win the Ballon d’Or remains open. Perhaps in the future we will see how traditions will change and goalkeepers will take their rightful place on the podium. In the meantime, De Gea’s dream of the Ballon d’Or remains alive, reminding us all that even in the most difficult game there is room for change and new achievements.
