Should Dwight Yorke have been in the frame for 1999 Ballon d’Or?
The reality, though, is competition was tough for the award as the last century drew to a close.
David Beckham was the closest Red to winning it, with his case strengthened by a Man of the Match performance in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, as he put behind him the torment of the red card with England at the 1998 World Cup.
Inspirational captain Roy Keane was sixth and Yorke was the next-best United man but only way down in 11th spot.
The trophy went to Rivaldo, the Barcelona star, who helped the Catalans win La Liga with 24 goals in 37 games during the title triumph. The Brazilian scored 29 times in all competitions, including three in the Champions League, two coming in the draw at the Nou Camp against United.
Yet this is a pertinent point – Ferguson’s men knocked the highly fancied Blaugrana out of the competition at the group stage, weakening Rivaldo’s claims for the top honour.
However, what did go in his favour was his international endeavours. The classy South American forward was joint-top scorer and voted best player as Brazil successfully defended the Copa America in Paraguay. This tournament gave him a crucial edge, with Yorke only playing one game for his country throughout 1999.
