What Is 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year

Overview

The 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year award recognized the best male footballer globally for performances during the calendar year. Organized by FIFA, the award highlighted excellence in skill, consistency, and impact on major competitions. Brazilian star Rivaldo emerged as the winner, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

His victory reflected standout performances with both club and country, particularly during FC Barcelona’s successful 1998–1999 season and Brazil’s strong international campaign. The award also underscored the dominance of South American players in FIFA honors during the late 1990s. Voting was conducted by national team coaches and captains from FIFA member associations.

• Rivaldo won the 1999 award on December 13, 1999, during a ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland.
• He was playing for FC Barcelona, where he scored 24 goals in 47 appearances during the 1998–1999 season.
• Rivaldo edged out teammates Ronaldo and Luís Figo, finishing first in the final voting tally.
• The award marked the fifth edition of the FIFA World Player of the Year, first introduced in 1991.
• He became the third Brazilian to win the award, following Romário in 1994 and Ronaldo in 1996 and 1997.

How It Works

The FIFA World Player of the Year award was determined through a structured voting process involving global football representatives. National team coaches and captains from over 150 FIFA member associations submitted ballots ranking their top choices.

• Term: FIFA World Player of the Year. This annual award honored the best male footballer based on performances from January to December. Voting occurred in November and results were announced in December.
• Voting body: Over 150 national team captains and coaches participated, each submitting a ranked list of their top five players.
• Scoring system: First-place votes earned 5 points, second-place earned 4 points, and so on down to 1 point for fifth place.
• Eligibility: Any professional male footballer was eligible if they played during the calendar year and had a significant global impact.
• Announcement: Winners were revealed at the FIFA World Gala, held annually in Zurich from the mid-1990s through the 2000s.
• Historical context: The award ran from 1991 to 2009 before merging with the Ballon d'Or in 2010 to form the FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, highlighting points and rankings.

This table illustrates how Rivaldo secured a decisive lead over his closest competitors. Despite Ronaldo’s global fame and Figo’s standout season, Rivaldo’s consistent goal-scoring and leadership for both club and country gave him the edge. The point gap between first and second place was 137 points, reflecting broad international support. Players from five different nations made the top five, showing the award’s global reach. The dominance of European club stars was evident, with all top-five players active in Italy or Spain.

Why It Matters

The 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year award was more than just an individual honor—it highlighted a shift in footballing excellence and recognition during a transformative era. Rivaldo’s win emphasized the value of all-around performance, not just goal totals or media visibility.

• Rivaldo’s win validated the importance of technical versatility, as he played both as a winger and attacking midfielder.
• It marked a rare year when Barcelona had two of the top three vote-getters, showcasing the club’s rising influence.
• The award elevated Rivaldo’s status, leading to increased marketability and endorsement opportunities globally.
• It also foreshadowed Brazil’s strong showing at the 1999 Copa América, which they won with Rivaldo as a key player.
• The result demonstrated that team success in domestic leagues could outweigh individual brilliance in isolation.
• Historically, this award remains a benchmark for analyzing pre-Ballon d'Or merger voting trends and regional biases.

Ultimately, the 1999 award remains a significant milestone in football history, capturing a moment when a technically gifted but less-heralded star rose to the top through consistent excellence.