1. Julio Baptista (2007)
Known as “The Beast” for his physical style of play, Baptista had flashes of brilliance during his time at Sevilla, Real Madrid, and AS Roma. In 2007, following a solid season, he made the Ballon d’Or nomination list—though few remember this given his inconsistent performances in later years.
2. El Hadji Diouf (2002)
Diouf rose to global attention with Senegal’s remarkable World Cup run in 2002. His performances earned him a nomination that year, but his career afterwards—marked by controversy more than consistent form—faded quickly, especially during his Premier League stint with Liverpool and Bolton.
3. Asamoah Gyan (2010)
The Ghanaian striker had a phenomenal World Cup in South Africa, almost single-handedly carrying his national team to the semi-finals. That run, coupled with strong performances for club and country, earned him a nomination in 2010—a moment that surprised many, considering his move to the UAE shortly after.
4. Nuno Gomes (2000)
The Portuguese striker was a solid performer in his prime, especially during Euro 2000, where he helped Portugal reach the semi-finals. He received a Ballon d’Or nod that year, but his quiet club career meant his nomination was largely forgotten.
5. Diego Milito (2010)
While Milito was a top player, many forget his Ballon d’Or nomination came after his incredible 2009–10 season with Inter Milan, where he scored decisive goals in the Champions League, Serie A, and Coppa Italia finals. Despite his treble-winning heroics, he never maintained that level consistently in the seasons that followed.
6. Mathieu Flamini (2008)
Yes, even Flamini made the longlist after a standout season with Arsenal. He later became more known for his business ventures in biotech and renewable energy than his footballing resume—but in 2008, he briefly stood among the world’s best.
These nominations are a reminder that the Ballon d’Or doesn’t always spotlight career-long excellence. Sometimes, a single season, a golden summer tournament, or even a standout run of form can put a player in football’s most elite conversation—if only briefly.
