The Heist of the Century

The heist of the century.

When the 2020 Ballon d’Or was cancelled in July last year, the organisers of the prize, France Football, said that things were just too far out of the ordinary to consider giving the prize.

A lengthy statement could have been shortened to six words: “Sorry Robert, better luck next time.”

55 goals in the season. A clean sweep of trophies. Head and shoulders and half his torso above the rest. He even said it himself.

“We won everything there was to be won. I was the top scorer in every competition. I think if a player has achieved that much, he should win the Ballon d’Or.”

He was annoyed but not beaten. That little gold ball had been snatched away but he would be back for it again.

34 goals in 31 league games not enough? How about 41 in 29? An all-time Bundesliga record....