When you think back to the football world in 2010, many fans may think of one person: Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch star was in the limelight that year, but unfortunately missed out on the Ballon d'Or. Recently, in an interview with Egyptian television, Sneijder once again mentioned the Golden Globe Awards that year, and people couldn't help but feel the injustice in his heart.
In the 2009-10 season, Sneijder reached the pinnacle of his career. He led Inter Milan to the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League, and personally contributed 8 goals and 15 assists, becoming the assist leader that season. In terms of the national team, Sneijder also performed well, helping the Netherlands to reach the World Cup final, although the final defeat to Spain was already a huge achievement for Dutch football.
However, the Ballon d'Or that year was ultimately awarded to Messi. Sneijder said in the interview, "It's a bit unfair that I wasn't crowned the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and Messi ended up winning it. But I'm not the kind of person who would cry about it, the Ballon d'Or is just an individual accolade, and I prefer to win a collective accolade. His words not only showed his generosity as a professional player, but also revealed a trace of helplessness and regret.
The results of the Golden Globe Awards at that time did cause a lot of controversy. According to the selection rules of that year, if it is voted according to **, Sneijder will be a well-deserved Golden Globe winner. But due to the merger of the Ballon d'Or with the World Footballer of the Year to form the FIFA Ballon d'Or, the selection rules changed, resulting in Sneijder finishing only fourth.
Thirteen years later, time seems to smooth everything, but for Sneijder, that year's Ballon d'Or still seems to be a pity. His achievements are undeniable, but the absence of the Ballon d'Or as a personal honor may be an eternal pain in his career.
As fans, we may feel that Sneijder's achievements are brilliant enough that the Ballon d'Or is just the icing on the cake. But for the players themselves, such an honor undoubtedly has a special significance. This also makes us think again about how the honor and individual achievements in football should be measured and recognized.
Sneijder's words remind us that every point of effort, every goal, every assist on the football pitch deserves to be remembered and praised. Although he didn't win the Ballon d'Or that year, he earned countless respects and affections in the hearts of fans. Perhaps, this is more precious than a Golden Globe.