Liverpool fans can’t quite believe where Virgil van Dijk has placed in the 2025 Ballon d’Or
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Virgil van Dijk may not have the best memories of the Ballon d’Or, having been pipped to the post by Lionel Messi after Liverpool’s Champions League win in 2019.
The centre-back had a strong claim to win the award over the legendary Messi, but fell short by a handful of votes.
Amazingly, Van Dijk has only been nominated for the prestigious individual award on two further occasions, one being for his performances in the 2024/25 season.
The Dutchman should possibly have been higher in 2022, but had to make do with a 22nd place finish.
Having led Liverpool to the Premier League title in May, there was a feeling that Van Dijk could perhaps trouble the Ballon d’Or top ten when the award was handed out on Monday night.
Unfortunately, though, Van Dijk has been underrated once again, and Liverpool fans have been left to fume after seeing their captain end up in 28th position.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool fans will have known that Van Dijk had little chance of winning the Ballon d’Or on Monday, but finishing third from bottom feels like a slap in the face.
The 34-year-old deserved to be much, much higher, and supporters have taken to social media site X to vent their frustration.
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“Might be the biggest joke of the whole ceremony,” said one angry fan.
“There were not ten better players than Virgil Van Dijk last season, let alone 27.”
“If there’s 27 footballers in the world better than Van Dijk I have been watching a different sport,” another remarked.
“If you hadn’t already realised how pointless the Ballon d’Or has become, Virgil van Dijk has just placed 28th,” said someone else.
“Best defender in the world, second best player last year for the Premier League champions and captained that side.”
“Van Dijk finishing 28th in Ballon D’or rankings tells you everything you need to know about how meritless this trophy has become,” another fan claimed.
Other supporters couldn’t help but point out the low calibre of players ranked ahead of the Liverpool skipper.
“Seeing Scott McTominay over Van Dijk in rankings is the lowest this sport has gone,” said one fan.
Just look at the players above Van Dijk,” fumed another.
“Virgil Van Dijk being ranked 28th is an absolute disgrace,” was someone else’s take.
Gyokeres finished 15th, he shouldn’t have been on this list!”
And finally: “Declan Rice is a better footballer than Virgil Van Dijk pretty much sums up why this award isn’t worth a carrot,” summed the feeling up nicely.
There is no logical defence as to why Van Dijk should finish so low in this year’s rankings.
The Netherlands international was arguably the best player in the Premier League not named Mohamed Salah last season and should have been recognised as such.
Thankfully, though, there was some slightly better news for Alexis Mac Allister, who finished six places ahead of his captain in 22nd.
While some may feel Mac Allister should have been a little higher, the placing is a good reflection of the Argentine’s current standing in the game.
Florian Wirtz unfortunately fared a touch worse, finishing below Van Dijk in 29th position.