Balancing act: Wesley Sneijder reflects on 2010 Ballon d’Or, prioritizing team triumphs over personal accolades
Wesley Sneijder, a pivotal figure in Inter Milan’s triumphant 2010 Treble, recently revisited Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or victory in 2010, despite Sneijder’s stellar contributions.
Sneijder played a crucial role in Inter Milan securing Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League titles under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
However, personal success was tinged with disappointment as the Netherlands fell to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.
During an interview with Alhaya TV, Sneijder emphasized his inclination towards collective achievements over individual honors, even though he secured the fourth position in the 2010 Ballon d’Or, trailing Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi – all representing FC Barcelona.
«It felt somewhat unfair that I didn’t clinch the 2010 Ballon d’Or while Messi did. Yet, I’m not one to lament over such matters. The Ballon d’Or is an individual accolade, and I lean towards winning collective trophies», Wesley Sneijder remarked.
«If I had to choose between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, I’d opt for the Champions League, which I’m immensely proud of winning. Although we deserved to win the 2010 final against Spain, the Spaniards were incredible and emerged victoriously. Reaching the final was a marvelous achievement I had dreamt of, and losing still breaks my heart», he added.
