Bayern Munich’s forward line has been the toast of Europe for the 2025/26 season. All of Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz enjoyed career best seasons as the Bavarians smashed a 50-year-old goal scoring record in the Bundesliga and laid waste to nearly every team in Europe. The former duo have garnered the greatest attention despite Díaz’s status as new arrival and have subsequently been tipped as contenders for the Ballon D’or, the award granted to the player voted the best in the world. Again.
And again. And again. And again. And again. And again.
Díaz has less supporters for the big prize, but it should not come as a surprise that people in Colombia are behind their star player. Former Bayern and Colombia striker Adolfo ‘El tren’ Valencia told Bild reporter Nico Linner (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) that the former Liverpool player should be a real contender for the Ballon D’or:
“Lucho can and should be among the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or. His stats prove that he is currently one of the best players in the world (..) If Colombia goes far in the World Cup and Lucho continues to perform at his current level, he can be one of the favourites,” Valencia declared. “Our national team must support him to have a real chance at the Ballon d’Or. We have the potential to do so with many good and experienced players like James Rodríguez Lucho is performing particularly well at Bayern because his teammates, the club’s management, and the fans are giving him the love that he felt was somewhat lacking at the end of his time at Liverpool. And when Lucho feels comfortable and appreciated, he’s extra motivated to repay his club on the pitch because he’s a very grateful and down-to-earth person. The quality of his teammates like Olise and Kane, and the good work of the coach, are of course also very important.”
BFW Analysis
The Ballon d’Or is a ridiculous prize that relies far too much on the personal biases and half informed opinions of voters than any real qualifying criteria. The best example of this remains how Uzbek journalist Grigory Rtveladze once decided against nominating Robert Lewandowski for the Ballon d’Or in 2021 based on his card in the football video game FIFA 22.
It is a total farce.
But it is also an internationally recognized award and a way to measure recognition from footballers and their peers. Regardless of how ridiculous the award is, it still means a lot to many footballers and would mean a lot for Colombia if their star player won it.
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