10 Players You Forgot Were Nominated For Ballon d'Or
4. El Hadji Diouf (Liverpoo) - 2002
He may be viewed as one of the biggest flops in Premier League history, having spat on a supporter, alienated his team-mates and fallen out with various managers during a bitter, animosity-filled career, but twelve years ago, the world was truly his oyster. Having been unleashed at the 2002 World Cup, El Hadji Diouf produced several stellar performances for the Senegal national side, including a blitzing display as they masterminded a heroic 1-0 victory over world champions France in the group stage. The African side fought valiantly as they gained plaudits worldwide by reaching the quarter-finals, before eventually bowing out to Turkey in extra-time. The Lens forward was also part of the Senegal team who finished runners-up to Cameroon in the African Cup of Nations. Not only were his performances good enough to earn him a move to England via the foolish arms of Liverpool, but he even received a Ballon dOr nomination for his troubles. Tied with compatriot Papa Boupa Diop and Rio Ferdinand with two votes, he was still placed higher in the rankings than the likes of esteemed internationals Paolo Maldini, Ryan Giggs and Iker Casillas.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
