Many feel the Barcelona icon should have won the 2010 and 2012 awards.

 Many argue that Andres Iniesta is one of the greatest players never to win the award. Sadly, with this season expected to be his last in Europe’s major leagues, his chances of getting his hands on that prize will die down to zero.

Nonetheless, France Football looks to make amends for never recognizing the Spanish maestro’s talents. In an article written by editor Pascal Ferre titled “Forgive Us Andres”, an apology is issued to the playmaker for never being named the recipient of the greatest individual accolade in football.

The editorial blamed “democratic anomaly" for this crime. It’s an understandable explanation, as the winners were decided via votes until the split from FIFA to reclaim all rights over the prize.

Iniesta came closest to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2010. His typical delightful displays in midfield for Barcelona that season was followed by an excellent World Cup campaign in which he scored the only goal in the final to help beat the Netherlands and win the title.

However, the Spaniard was overlooked, with Messi beating out the competition to highlight football’s favoritism for goalscorers. Andres came in second that year followed by his countryman, Xavi, in third.

Similarly, many were disappointed when the two-time Euro winner finished in third in 2013 despite guiding Spain to a second consecutive European Championship. That year, Leo triumphed once more with Cristiano Ronaldo finishing as runner-up.

Pascal Perre, Andres Iniesta, Barcelona, Spain, Ballon d'Or

"Iniesta has proven that the brain is definitely the most important thing when it comes to champions," Ferre said in his editorial.

The 33-year-old is now set to leave Barcelona, the one and only club he has played for, in favor of a move to China. The iconic midfielder has lost his starting role due to his age and is now likely to see out the remainder of his career in far-east Asia.