Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has made a startling revelation about his Ballon d'Or prospects, admitting that his name was mysteriously absent from several voting ballots despite what he considers his finest campaign in a Reds shirt.
The Dutch captain, who finished sixth in this year's prestigious award ultimately won by Lionel Messi, expressed his bewilderment at being overlooked entirely by some voters. "I saw I ended up sixth, which is fine, but I heard from several people that in some lists I wasn't even on there," Van Dijk disclosed.
The 32-year-old centre-back appeared genuinely puzzled by the oversight, particularly given his outstanding performances that helped Liverpool secure Champions League qualification and lift the Carabao Cup. "If you have the season I had, in my opinion, which was my best season ever, consistent with all the games I played... and then you are not on the list? It's strange," he added.
A Season of Redemption
Van Dijk's candid comments come after a remarkable return to form following his serious knee injury in 2020. The commanding defender re-established himself as one of world football's premier centre-backs, playing a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp's rebuilt Liverpool side.
"It's a little bit strange, but it is how it is," Van Dijk philosophically noted, demonstrating the maturity that has made him such an influential figure at Anfield. His performances throughout the 2022-23 season drew widespread praise from pundits and peers alike, making the voting anomalies even more perplexing.
The Messi-Haaland Dominance
This year's Ballon d'Or ceremony saw Inter Miami's Lionel Messi claim his eighth award, narrowly beating Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland. Van Dijk's sixth-place finish placed him behind footballing luminaries including Kylian Mbappé, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri.
The Liverpool stalwart took the result in his stride, showing the same composure that defines his defensive work. "It is what it is. The players who ended up above me are incredible players," he graciously acknowledged.
Van Dijk's revelation raises questions about the transparency and consistency of the Ballon d'Or voting process, suggesting that even elite performers can fall victim to curious oversights. Despite the snub, the Dutch international remains focused on Liverpool's ongoing campaign, where his leadership continues to be instrumental to their Premier League ambitions.
