On October 29, 2024, Rodri successfully won the Ballon d’Or award, marking the first time a Spanish player has received this honor in the 21st century. During Spain’s golden era of winning three titles in five years (2008-2012), Spanish players who made it to the top three were always overshadowed by Messi and Ronaldo. Now, the Matadors have finally seen the end of the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.
In 2008, Spain won the European Championship, with Fernando Torres placing third in the Ballon d’Or selection, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In 2010, Spain made history by winning their first World Cup title, with both Xavi and Iniesta making it to the top three in the Ballon d’Or selection. However, Messi won the Ballon d’Or, followed by Iniesta in second place and Xavi in third.
In 2012, Spain successfully defended their European Championship title, achieving a dynasty of three titles in five years. However, Iniesta still placed third, with Messi and Ronaldo taking the top two spots.
Twelve years after their last European Championship victory, Spain has finally seen the end of the Messi-Ronaldo era, with Rodri successfully winning the Ballon d’Or, making up for the regrets of Xavi, Iniesta, and Torres.
The Matadors Have Endured the Messi-Ronaldo Era! During Spain’s Golden Age, Xavi, Iniesta, and Torres Were Always Overshadowed by Messi and Ronaldo in Ballon d’Or Selections. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/the-matadors-have-endured-the-messi-ronaldo-era-during-spains-golden-age-xavi-iniesta-and-torres-were-always-overshadowed-by-messi-and-ronaldo-in-ballon-dor-selections.html
