Individual awards are perhaps unfair as football is a team game. That said, for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, although 23 players receive recognition, many more are snubbed. This year is no different.
Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League winner Luka Modric, despite his incredible long-range goals and his important role in Real Madrid’s midfield, is not present. Chile’s Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who wowed the public at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, also failed to make the cut.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge and Atletico Madrid’s Koke are out as well. But the big question is: where is Luis Suarez?
This raises a few more questions:
How can England’s reigning best goalscorer and player fail to make the list of FIFA’s 23 best players? Has the Uruguayan striker been hurt by his lack of playing time since his 2014 World Cup ban for biting Chiellini? Was Suarez rather penalized for his reputation as a “serial biter”?
Attempting to answer the questions above, football fans around the world tweeted mixed opinions:
Despite our hate for Luis Suarez, dude deserves to be in the top 5 of the Ballon D'or awards not only the 23man list. #BallondOr
— Umar A.S (@waxxa_official) October 28, 2014
Luis Suarez was Top Scorer and Player of the Year in Premier League last season but not been nominated for Ballon d'Or 2014.
— Shahrizan Yusoff (@therealshah_) October 28, 2014
I hate suarez but you can't deny he's better then ever payer on that list apart from maybe 4 players
— connor thompson (@thompsonnn10) October 28, 2014
FIFA out here punishing Suarez for biting but they are the most corrupt organisation in sports
— Manning (@allenharperr) October 28, 2014
Why is everyone kicking off about Suarez not getting nominated? He sunk his teeth into Chiellini remember? Obviously he wasn't gonna win.
— Dat Guy Wellz (@NearlyBen) October 28, 2014
@Neymarred Common knowledge they factor you as a person when deciding nominees and winners. Suarez's wrongdoings far outweigh his brilliance
— Ibra (@zMaestroMo) October 28, 2014
I think people need to remember, Zidane lost his Bd'Or chance due to a headbutt, Suarez isn't on the list for obvious reasons.
— Duncan Disorderly (@FutbolChief) October 28, 2014
Ballon d'Or is more than being a talented footballer it's about being a role model for kids who want to become footballers, Suarez isn't!
— simon dawkins (@simondawkins23) October 28, 2014
The most surprising thing about the list in my opinion is that Modric isn't there. That's disgraceful
— Kai (@GoonerBBK) October 28, 2014
Extremely disappointed not to see Luka Modric on the Ballon d'Or candidate list. Had a phenomenal year. Deserves to be on there.
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 28, 2014
Modric not being nominated for the Ballon D'Or is bemusing to say the very least
— Adrian John Wilton (@AdeWilt13) October 28, 2014
@PossessionStats MODRIC HASNT BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE BALONDOR WHAT A JOKE
— DanLADimo (@RabonaRojo) October 28, 2014
The balon d'or is pretty stupid tbf, Owen won it but Henry didn't and Hazard is nominated over Suarez, Modric etc
— Michael (@michaellaww) October 28, 2014 
