When one thinks of the Argentina national team the names that usually come up include Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. One name that will occasionally get mentioned is Javier Mascherano, but more often than not people forget about the important defensive midfielder. In some ways he is the most essential player on Argentina and his inclusion on the Ballon d'Or shortlist is well deserved. But can he win it all?
For the fifth straight year, Andres Iniesta is among the 23 best soccer players in the world. And his results in previous years have been terrific when it comes to winning the Ballon d'Or. He finished second in voting in 2010 with 17.36 percent of the vote (five percent less than winner Lionel Messi). A year later he finished fourth and in 2012 he was third. Last year he dropped a few spots to fourth on the list but this year might be his worst showing yet.Does Iniesta still have what it takes to be in the hunt for the Ballon d'Or?
If ego and personality were the main qualities needed to win the Ballon d'Or, Zlatan Ibrahmovic would arguably be the winner every year. There is arguably no other player in the world as entertaining as the Swede. But Ibrahimovic has yet to claim a Ballon d'Or. Now at age 33, his career is winding down. Could this be the year he wins the coveted trophy?
Over the last few years, two of the top three contenders for the Ballon d'Or have been a given. And this year looks to be no different. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are likely to be two of the three finalists. However, the big variation every year has revolved around the third contestant. And for the fourth straight year there will be another new nominee among the final three. And Angel Di Maria could be the favorite to claim that spot. Could he be a finalist? And could he pull off a win?
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious personal award in the world of soccer. And the hotly anticipated 23-man short list was recently revealed. While there were few surprises, there were some notable snubs that certainly call into question the validity of the prize. Here is a look at the major snubs.
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho signs with Queretaro of Liga MX and is met with both open arms and a racial slur by a former Mexican politician, Seattle Sounders clinch MLS Playoff berth and aim for the Supporters Shield, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber is interested in replay challenges for the league.
Capitalizing on a surprisingly good run by the Unites States Men's National Team (USMNT) in the 2014 World Cup, as well the recording-breaking ratings for ESPN and Univision, United States Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber discuss the future of MLS and soccer future during Bloomberg Sports Business Summit.
