Wesley Sneijder: The Dutch Maestro Who Never Got His Ballon d’Or

In the world of football, there are moments and players that capture the imagination of fans across the globe. Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch midfield genius, is one of those players. Known for his vision, technique, and leadership on the pitch, Sneijder was one of the most influential figures in football during his prime. However, despite his undeniable brilliance and achievements, one accolade remained elusive: the Ballon d’Or. The 2010 edition of this prestigious award, which seemed almost destined to land in his hands, went instead to Lionel Messi, sparking debates that rage on to this day.

This article will dive deep into Sneijder’s extraordinary career, explore his achievements, and try to understand why the Dutchman never claimed the coveted Ballon d’Or despite being one of the most deserving players in 2010. Was it a failure of the voting system, the overshadowing of other football giants, or simply bad luck? We’ll unpack it all here.

Early Career: The Making of a Maestro

Wesley Sneijder was born on June 9, 1984, in Utrecht, the Netherlands. From an early age, his talent was evident, and it didn’t take long before the famed Ajax youth academy noticed him. Sneijder’s journey at Ajax began in 1991 when he joined the club as a young, promising talent. His time in the academy was crucial for his development as it honed his technical skills, vision, and understanding of the game.

Sneijder’s rise to the first team came in 2002, and he quickly became a fan favorite. His ability to control the tempo of the game, deliver precise passes, and score crucial goals made him one of Ajax’s brightest talents. By the time he left the club in 2007, Sneijder had already made a name for himself as one of the top young midfielders in Europe.

The Real Madrid Dream: A Mixed Bag of Success

Sneijder’s stellar performances at Ajax did not go unnoticed, and in 2007, Spanish giants Real Madrid came knocking. The Dutchman moved to the Santiago Bernabéu for a reported fee of €27 million, making him one of the most expensive Dutch players at the time. The pressure was immense, but Sneijder seemed unfazed. His debut season at Real Madrid was a dream, as he helped the club win the La Liga title in the 2007-08 season.

His performances were instrumental in Real Madrid’s midfield, where his creativity and set-piece prowess became vital assets. Sneijder’s pinpoint accuracy in free-kicks and his ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box made him a key player for Los Blancos. However, despite a strong first season, injuries and managerial changes led to inconsistency in his form.

Real Madrid’s Galáctico philosophy, which often saw them buying star players without a coherent plan for team balance, eventually affected Sneijder’s time at the club. In 2009, after just two seasons, Sneijder was sold to Inter Milan for a fee of €15 million, a move that would soon prove to be a turning point in his career.

Inter Milan and the Treble Triumph of 2010

Wesley Sneijder’s arrival at Inter Milan marked the beginning of the most successful period of his career. Under the guidance of the legendary José Mourinho, Sneijder became the creative heartbeat of a team that would go on to dominate European football. The 2009-10 season saw Inter Milan achieve something truly extraordinary: the treble, consisting of the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Sneijder’s role in that treble-winning side cannot be overstated. As the team’s main playmaker, he was at the center of almost every attack, linking up play between the defense and the forward line with ease. His vision, technique, and ability to pick out killer passes were pivotal in unlocking defenses. Sneijder finished the 2009-10 season with eight goals and a career-high number of assists in the league and Europe, earning widespread recognition.

In the Champions League, Sneijder was particularly brilliant. His performance against Barcelona in the semi-finals is still remembered as one of his finest. Facing the mighty Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola, Sneijder was instrumental in Inter’s 3-1 victory in the first leg, setting up a goal and being a constant threat with his creative play. His calmness under pressure and tactical awareness made him indispensable in Mourinho’s system.

The crowning moment came on May 22, 2010, when Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final. Sneijder’s assist for Diego Milito’s first goal was a testament to his playmaking abilities. With that victory, Inter became the first Italian club to win the treble, and Sneijder was hailed as one of the best players in the world.

World Cup 2010: Leading the Netherlands to the Final

The summer of 2010 saw Wesley Sneijder carry his club form into the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Playing a pivotal role for the Netherlands national team, Sneijder was the driving force behind their run to the final. His five goals in the tournament made him joint top-scorer alongside Thomas Müller, David Villa, and Diego Forlán. Sneijder’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations earned him plaudits throughout the tournament.

One of the standout moments came in the quarter-final against Brazil, where Sneijder scored two goals to lead the Dutch to a 2-1 victory. His second goal, a header, symbolized his determination and ability to influence games at the highest level. He also delivered an assist in the semi-final against Uruguay, leading the Netherlands to a 3-2 win and a place in the final.

Unfortunately for Sneijder and the Netherlands, the final against Spain ended in heartbreak. Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 win for Spain, denying the Dutch their first World Cup title. Despite the loss, Sneijder’s performances throughout the tournament were extraordinary, and he was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.

The Ballon d’Or Controversy

By the end of 2010, Sneijder had achieved more than most players do in their entire careers. He had won the treble with Inter Milan and guided the Netherlands to the World Cup final. Most fans and pundits considered him the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or. After all, the award had historically been given to players who excelled both at the club and international levels, and Sneijder had ticked both boxes.

However, when the final votes were counted, Sneijder didn’t even make the top three. Instead, the 2010 Ballon d’Or went to Lionel Messi, with his Barcelona teammates Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández finishing second and third, respectively. This decision shocked the football world. While Messi had undoubtedly been brilliant, many felt that Sneijder’s accomplishments that year were more deserving of the award. Messi had not won the World Cup, nor had he led Barcelona to Champions League glory that year, making Sneijder’s omission even more baffling.

The Aftermath: Legacy and Post-2010 Career

Sneijder’s career continued after the 2010 Ballon d’Or snub, but he never quite reached the same heights again. Injuries began to take their toll, and after a few more successful seasons with Inter Milan, he moved to Galatasaray in 2013. In Turkey, Sneijder became a cult hero, helping the club to multiple league titles and domestic cup victories. His technical abilities remained sharp, and his experience proved invaluable to Galatasaray’s success.

In 2017, Sneijder briefly played for French side OGC Nice before moving to Al-Gharafa in Qatar, where he eventually retired in 2019. While his post-2010 career was less spectacular, his legacy as one of the best midfielders of his generation remained intact.

Sneijder’s Style of Play: The Complete Playmaker

Wesley Sneijder was the epitome of a modern playmaker. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game, combined with his vision and passing range, made him a joy to watch. Sneijder had an exceptional first touch, which allowed him to control difficult passes and turn defense into attack in an instant. His intelligence on the pitch was second to none, as he could read the game and find space where none seemed to exist.

One of Sneijder’s defining characteristics was his ability to deliver from set-pieces. Whether it was free-kicks, corners, or long-range shots, he had an incredible knack for making the ball do exactly what he wanted. His precision was unmatched, and he often delivered key goals or assists when his team needed them the most.

Conclusion

Wesley Sneijder may never have won the Ballon d’Or, but his influence on the game is undeniable. His performances in 2010, both for Inter Milan and the Netherlands, were of a player at the peak of his powers, and his omission from the Ballon d’Or podium remains one of football’s greatest controversies. Nevertheless, Sneijder’s legacy as a world-class midfielder and one of the best Dutch players of all time is secure.

History may not have given him the individual recognition he deserved, but for football purists and fans, Wesley Sneijder will always be remembered as the Dutchman who should have won the Ballon d’Or.