Andrea Pirlo downplays Ballon d’Or talk, says Xavi and Iniesta were more deserving

Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo has humbly dismissed suggestions that he deserved to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or during his illustrious playing career, pointing instead to two midfield maestros he believes were more worthy of the honor.

Speaking in a recent interview, the former AC Milan and Juventus playmaker said, “Many people say that I deserved at least one Ballon d’Or. I’m thinking that if Xavi and Iniesta never won it with everything they’ve accomplished, I shouldn’t even be considered a candidate.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Pirlo was celebrated for his unmatched vision, creativity, technical brilliance, and trademark free kicks. He began his club career in 1995 with his hometown side, Brescia, as an attacking midfielder before going on to feature for Inter Milan, Reggina, AC Milan, Juventus, and Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.

Across his club career, Pirlo made 756 appearances and scored 73 goals. On the international stage, he earned 116 caps for the Italian national team, finding the net 13 times. His career haul includes 18 major trophies with club and country, as well as 37 individual accolades.

Despite his decorated career, Pirlo remained modest, highlighting the collective achievements of peers like Spain’s Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, both of whom were instrumental in Barcelona’s dominance and Spain’s golden era between 2008 and 2012.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net