1973 Ballon d'Or: Johan Cruyff Secures Second Title
The Ballon d'Or, the prestigious annual award presented by France Football to the best football player in Europe, reached another milestone in 1973. On December 25, 1973, the footballing world recognized the exceptional talent of one of the game's most influential figures, crowning a winner who redefined the role of the midfielder.
The award is determined by a panel of sports journalists from member countries of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), ensuring a broad continental perspective on player performance and impact throughout the season.
[no image placeholder]Key Facts
- Winner: Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
- Date Awarded: December 25, 1973
- Awarding Body: France Football
- Cruyff's Achievement: This marked his second Ballon d'Or award.
- Top Score: Johan Cruyff won with 96 points.
The Triumph of Johan Cruyff
The 1973 edition of the award saw Dutch midfielder Johan Cruyff emerge as the clear victor. Having played for both Ajax and Barcelona, Cruyff's dominance on the pitch was reflected in the voting, where he secured a commanding lead with 96 points.
Cruyff's ability to influence the game from the midfield solidified his reputation as the premier player in Europe, marking the second time he received this honor.
[no image placeholder]Rankings and Continental Competition
While Cruyff took the top spot, the 1973 rankings featured several legendary names across various positions. Italy's Dino Zoff of Juventus finished as the runner-up with 47 points, highlighting the importance of goalkeeping excellence in the eyes of the journalists.
West Germany showed significant strength in the rankings, with Gerd Müller (Bayern Munich) taking third place with 44 points, followed closely by Franz Beckenbauer (Bayern Munich) in fourth with 30 points.
Detailed Player Standings
The competition extended across Europe, featuring standout performers from Scotland, Poland, Portugal, and beyond. The following table summarizes the top performers of the 1973 voting cycle.
| Rank | Player | Club(s) | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johan Cruyff | Ajax / Barcelona | Netherlands | 96 |
| 2 | Dino Zoff | Juventus | Italy | 47 |
| 3 | Gerd Müller | Bayern Munich | West Germany | 44 |
| 4 | Franz Beckenbauer | Bayern Munich | West Germany | 30 |
| 5 | Billy Bremner | Leeds United | Scotland | 22 |
| 6 | Kazimierz Deyna | Legia Warsaw | Poland | 16 |
| 7 | Eusébio | Benfica | Portugal | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1973 Ballon d'Or?
The 1973 Ballon d'Or was won by the Dutch midfielder Johan Cruyff, who played for Ajax and Barcelona.
How many times had Johan Cruyff won the award by 1973?
The 1973 award marked the second time Johan Cruyff had won the Ballon d'Or.
Who were the runners-up in the 1973 rankings?
The second-place finisher was Dino Zoff of Italy (47 points), and the third-place finisher was Gerd Müller of West Germany (44 points).
Who decides the winner of the Ballon d'Or?
The winner is judged by a panel of sports journalists from UEFA member countries.
When was the 1973 award officially presented?
The award was presented on December 25, 1973.