Luis Suárez and His Ballon d'Or Rankings: A Look at the Uruguayan Striker’s Legacy
When the conversation turns to the greatest forwards of the modern era, Luis Suárez inevitably appears alongside the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski. The Barcelona and Uruguay forward has amassed a trophy cabinet that rivals many Ballon d'Or winners, yet the ultimate individual accolade has always eluded him. This article examines Suárez’s Ballon d'Or rankings, his career milestones, and why his name continues to surface in the debate for football’s most prestigious award.
Early Career and First Ballon d'Or Buzz
Suárez began his professional journey with Nacional in Montevideo before moving to Europe at the age of 20. His prolific spell at Ajax (2007‑2011) saw him claim three Eredivisie titles, a KNVB Cup, and a UEFA Europa League trophy. In the 2010‑11 season, Suárez scored 35 league goals, a feat that placed him on the radar of Ballon d'Or voters for the first time.
- 2011: Ranked 22nd in the Ballon d'Or voting, behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
- 2012: Dropped out of the top 20 after a less impactful season at Liverpool.
Peak Years at Liverpool and Barcelona
Suárez’s move to Liverpool in 2011 marked the beginning of a period that would cement his reputation as one of the most complete forwards in the world. The 2013‑14 Premier League season saw him net 31 league goals, winning the Golden Boot and helping Liverpool finish as league runners‑up.
His performances earned him a spot in the 2014 Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he finished 15th. The following year, after a high‑profile transfer to Barcelona, Suárez formed the lethal “MSN” trio with Messi and Neymar. The season culminated in a treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League), and Suárez’s contribution—22 league goals and 31 across all competitions—propelled him to 12th place in the 2015 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Recent Form and the 2021 Ballon d'Or Ranking
After a challenging period at Barcelona, Suárez joined Atlético Madrid in 2020, where his experience added a new dimension to the club’s attack. In the 2020‑21 season, he scored 21 league goals, helping Atlético finish second in La Liga. This resurgence earned him a spot among the elite 30 nominees for the 2021 Ballon d’Or.
Suárez was ultimately ranked 17th place for the 2021 #BallonDor ⤵️Luis Suárez 🇺🇾 / Atlético de Madrid. The ranking reflected his consistent goal‑scoring, leadership, and impact in a highly competitive season that saw Robert Lewandowski
