NLD Result...

[Power n Glory]

Before Messi turned into a freak, most winners came from from impressing in Europe (or Internationally).

We have Wenget who's horrific in European competition, so Henry never stood a chance really.

Ohh you can't forget about Ronaldo and Ronaldinho when it comes to that freak of nature phenomenal player recognition. Those two won without winning major titles but the world could see they were one man wrecking machines on the pitch.

But it regards to Henry it seemed that way. He needed a better record in Europe before getting that love from the critics. They didn't respect the Prem's competition all that much back then.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It does when the panel's criteria on winners constantly changes. I can almost understand Ronaldinho's award because he was the best footballer on the planet even without winning a title. Hands down he captured the world's attention. 2003 was the shocking year. Zidane won World Player of the year for a unspectacular year and Nedved won the Balon D'Or. Maybe Henry had to win a Champions League to finally win the big prize but again, that's a lot more than what past winners have had to do to win.

As good as he was, Henry only won the FA Cup and a Confederations Cup (if that competition was even part of the consideration) so I don't think it's that much of a shocker really in terms of these awards, nor that surprising. Zidane won La Liga, Nedved won Serie A and reached the Champions League final.

World Player of the Year wasn't likely to be won by anyone else unless you were in Spain or alternatively won something in Europe, sadly.

[Power n Glory]

Again, honours vs world impact when it comes to judging criteria. Around that period Henry was one of the most feared strikers.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And Nedved wasn't a midfielder you'd want dictating or running against you, I don't want to get in to comparing players' abilities because I really don't see the point for this, when we know the awards won't be given out on that alone. Henry didn't give a good enough argument for them to vote for him, Nedved did.

[Power n Glory]

You're right, Henry didn't and it's a shame a player of his calibre has never won.

But on ability alone, they have been given out. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are examples but Henry can't really compete with that.

[Niall_Quinn]

Why do they bother voting at all if they can just add up the medals?