AC Milan Legend Savicevic Slams Ballon d’Or Snub as Franco Baresi Is Remembered
Former AC Milan star Dejan Savicevic has strongly criticized the Ballon d’Or selection process, saying football icon Franco Baresi deserved to win the prestigious individual award during his remarkable playing career.
Speaking while reflecting on Baresi’s legacy, Savicevic described the defender’s failure to win the Ballon d’Or as one of football’s greatest injustices. The former attacking midfielder, who shared the dressing room with Baresi at AC Milan, did not hold back in expressing his disappointment over the outcome.
According to Savicevic, journalists who voted for the award overlooked one of the finest defenders the game has ever produced.
“It’s a disgrace. How can you not give the Ballon d’Or to Baresi? But it’s your fault. You journalists. You didn’t vote for him. Only the Dutch won. Rijkaard always finished ahead of him, in first place. But Baresi was something else—he was a phenomenon. Don’t talk to me about the Ballon d’Or, it makes me angry.”
Savicevic’s comments come shortly after the football world mourned the passing of Franco Baresi, who died on July 31, 2026.
Baresi remains one of the most respected defenders in football history. He spent his entire 20-year professional career at AC Milan, becoming a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and defensive excellence. Throughout his career, he helped the Italian giants win numerous domestic and European trophies while also establishing himself as one of the greatest centre-backs the sport has ever seen.
Despite his incredible achievements and influence on the game, Baresi never lifted the Ballon d’Or, something Savicevic believes should never have happened.
His remarks have reignited debate among football fans over whether defenders have historically received the recognition they deserve in football’s biggest individual award, with many agreeing that Baresi’s legendary career warranted the sport’s highest personal honour.
