Deji WilliamsThe Ballon d’Or is the pinnacle of individual football awards, given annually to the world’s best player. While superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent years, it’s surprising to learn that many lesser-known or unexpected players have had clauses in their contracts related to winning the Ballon d’Or. While the idea of these players winning the prestigious trophy may seem far-fetched, their clubs once had enough faith in their potential to include such a clause. Here are six players who surprisingly had a Ballon d’Or clause in their contract.
1. Nicklas Bendtner
Few players in football have shown as much self-confidence as Nicklas Bendtner, but even his boldness couldn’t mask the surprise that came when it was revealed that he had a Ballon d’Or clause in his contract at Arsenal. Known for his flashes of brilliance and his many moments of inconsistency, Bendtner’s career never quite hit the heights to justify such a clause. While his talent was evident at times, his off-field antics and failure to live up to the hype made the idea of him winning the Ballon d’Or seem a distant dream.
2. Paul Konchesky
Paul Konchesky was a solid Premier League left-back, best known for his time at West Ham, Fulham, and Liverpool. While he was always a reliable player for the teams he represented, it’s safe to say that no one was expecting Konchesky to challenge for the Ballon d’Or. Still, during his stint at Fulham, it was revealed that a Ballon d’Or clause was included in his contract, which is as surprising as it gets for a player who was better known for his defensive work than for any individual brilliance.
3. Fabio Borini
A player with lots of promise early in his career, Fabio Borini was once seen as a rising star in Italian football. Liverpool signed him in 2012 with hopes that he could become a key attacking player for them. Part of his contract reportedly included a Ballon d’Or clause, showcasing the faith the club had in his potential. Unfortunately, Borini’s time at Liverpool didn’t go as planned, and his career never reached the elite level needed to be considered for such an honor. Still, the clause remains one of the more surprising inclusions in his contract.
4. Anderson
Manchester United signed Anderson in 2007, with the Brazilian midfielder arriving with a lot of hype as one of the next big things in world football. Anderson showed flashes of brilliance during his time at Old Trafford but ultimately struggled with injuries, fitness issues, and inconsistent form. Despite his struggles, Anderson had a Ballon d’Or clause in his contract when he joined the Red Devils. While the Brazilian had immense talent, his time at United never came close to the heights needed to compete for the game’s most prestigious individual honor.
5. Henrikh Mkhitaryan
When Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined Manchester United in 2016, there were high hopes that he could be a game-changer for the Red Devils after his impressive performances with Borussia Dortmund. Part of his deal reportedly included a Ballon d’Or clause, which speaks to the expectations surrounding him at the time. While Mkhitaryan showed moments of brilliance, especially during his Europa League-winning season with United, he never quite delivered the consistency or performances to compete at the level of a Ballon d’Or contender.
6. Michu
Michu’s breakout season with Swansea City in the 2012-2013 Premier League campaign was nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish striker scored 18 goals and quickly became one of the hottest names in English football. His performances were so impressive that Swansea reportedly included a Ballon d’Or clause in his contract, banking on the possibility of him continuing that incredible form. However, injuries and a dramatic loss of form saw Michu fade from the spotlight, and his career never reached the heights many expected after that memorable season.
Conclusion
While the Ballon d’Or is reserved for the absolute elite in world football, the inclusion of these clauses in the contracts of some unexpected names shows just how unpredictable the football world can be. Clubs often include such clauses as a reflection of their belief in a player’s potential, but as these six examples show, not every clause is based on realistic expectations. While none of these players came close to winning football’s top individual prize, the stories behind these contract clauses remain fascinating and surprising in equal measure.
