Cesc Fabregas revised his Ballon d'Or prediction after the 2022 Champions League final, adding Thibaut Courtois to his shortlist, but the goalkeeper finished seventh while Karim Benzema took the crown.
Fabregas, now head coach of Como after leading the Italian club into the Champions League for the first time, had named three attacking players as his favourites before making a late change of mind.
Fabregas's Initial Picks
Ahead of the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris, Fabregas posted on social media: "Not a big fan of individual trophies like that but surely the Ballon d'Or could/should be decided tonight? [Sadio] Mane? [Mohamed] Salah? [Karim] Benzema?"
After the match, he added Courtois to his list, writing: "I would add and most probably give it to Courtois. Insane season."
Courtois's Reaction
Courtois, who had won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, finished seventh in the standings. He criticised the result, saying: "I see the Ballon d'Or as impossible to win. You win La Liga and you win the Champions League, your team wins thanks to your saves... and you only finish 7th. At least they created the trophy for best goalkeeper."
Courtois did win the Lev Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper that year. He is among the contenders to win it again in 2026, alongside Arsenal's David Raya and Spain number one Joan Garcia.
Awards Move to London
The Ballon d'Or, first created by France Football in 1956, will be hosted at London's Palladium Theatre this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the award, which was first won by Sir Stanley Matthews. No goalkeeper has made the final 30-man shortlist for the main award, which will be announced on Monday night.
