Ballon d’Or: German Football’s Issues Exposed in Paris

It is quite possible that some of them have a great importance because they are already bumping into the procedure. What kind of meaningfulness does that have, maybe one or the other may think when ten journalists from “France Football”, a football magazine from France, decide annually which 30 players make it onto the shortlist for the balloon d’Or. A list, from which a selected journalist from the 100 nations, which are highest in the world ranking of the World Association, may award points for the nominees.

The importance, however, attaches to those of the choice that is about, i.e. the players, their confidants and their employers, shows themselves almost year after year. Tears of joy flow, there are inferior frustration.

This year it was Lamine Yamal, the 18 -year -old high -flyer from FC Barcelona. He wore it – at least externally – that Ousmane Dembélé was preferred to him, while his father spoke of “greatest moral damage to a person”. Or let’s take the year before that when she assumed that the royal of Real Madrid assumed that there should be no way past Vinicius Jr. But he led to Rodri, who won the choice, which is why Real boycotted the ceremony – royally offended – and remained away from her.

Kane in 13th place, Wirtz to 29

There are only two small stories that show that the choice is considered very prestigious, at least in the industry and is perceived as the most important individual award for a football player. In this respect, the view of German football must also be addressed.

Only two representatives from the Bundesliga landed in 13th place. Harry Kane, the English striker of FC Bayern – and in 29th place Florian Wirtz, who is now playing at Liverpool FC. In 2024, when Wirtz with Bayer Leverkusen won the historical double of the championship and trophy, he became twelfth.

The German Bundesliga and German professionals only watch from afar when it comes to choosing the best. This once again confirms what challenges German football faces, the figurehead of which is currently experiencing a phase of weakness – the national team has recently slipped in the world rankings after the defeat in Slovakia.

In the end, football is and remains a team sport, no question. An Ousmane Dembélé will know that the honor of Monday evening also gave him the spurge because he is surrounded by good footballers in each of his games for Paris St. Germain, which helps to shine. Not to mention the support of his trainer Luis Enrique, who was chosen as the best coach. He knew how to take Dembélé and shape.

Sammer General Criticism

But it is also Dembélé’s skills that have made him the best footballer. It is important to start in German football here. As important as the team is as important as a whole, it is so important with a view to the future, and in the training of young talent, it is increasingly to respect the development of every single player. No uniformity is required, it requires individual class, whether in defense, midfield or the attack. Trainers must recognize the strengths of their players, promote them, shape – and use their skills accordingly.

It was almost ten weeks ago that Matthias Sammer, European champion from 1996, had caused a sensation with a general criticism of German football. He complained about complacency and attested in a “kicker” interview that we “are still stronger in beautiful speeches than in the critical analysis. … we exaggerate the good and indicate the bad at most”.

By the way, Matthias Sammer won the balloon d’Or as the last German so far – 29 years ago. Before that, Gerd Müller (1970), Franz Beckenbauer (1972 and 1976), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1080 and 1981) and Lothar Matthäus (1990) were able to look forward to the award.