When UEFA released its rankings for Europe’s best players of the 2015/16 season, one name stood out among the elite—not for his Champions League heroics or a nine-figure transfer saga, but for a cult chant that echoed across Euro 2016. Will Grigg, Wigan Athletic’s prolific striker, shared the 25th spot with Paul Pogba, a player Manchester United was ready to break the £80m transfer record to re-sign.
This bizarre parity between a League One forward and a Juventus superstar became one of football’s most delightful oddities. But how did Grigg, who didn’t play a single minute for Northern Ireland at the Euros, earn such recognition? And what does this say about Pogba’s season? Let’s dive into the details.
The Curious Case of Will Grigg’s UEFA Ranking
Will Grigg’s 2015/16 campaign was a tale of two narratives. On one hand, he netted 28 goals for Wigan, firing them to promotion from League One. On the other, his infamous chant—“Will Grigg’s on fire!”—became a viral sensation during Euro 2016, despite him being an unused substitute.
Why Grigg Made the List
- Domestic Dominance: His goal tally was unmatched in England’s third tier, showcasing clinical finishing.
- Cultural Impact: The terrace anthem transcended football, becoming a tournament staple.
- Underdog Appeal: As the only player outside a top-tier league nominated, Grigg symbolized the unpredictability of football.
Image: Will Grigg’s goalscoring form earned cult status, but his UEFA ranking raised eyebrows.
Paul Pogba’s Season Under the Microscope
Pogba’s inclusion at 25th sparked debate. Fresh off a Serie A title and Coppa Italia double with Juventus, his technical brilliance and box-to-box dynamism made him a top transfer target. Yet, UEFA’s voters—55 journalists across member nations—deemed his performances only as impactful as Grigg’s.
Key Factors in Pogba’s Ranking
- Consistency vs. Peak Performance: While stellar, Pogba’s displays lacked the seismic impact of Ronaldo or Messi.
- Euro 2016 Disappointment: France reached the final, but Pogba’s influence waned in key matches.
- Transfer Distractions: Speculation about a world-record move to Manchester United overshadowed his on-pitch contributions.
The UEFA Best Player Award Shortlist: Who Made the Cut?
While Grigg and Pogba shared 25th, the top 10 featured the usual suspects:
The Elite Ten (Alphabetical Order)
- Gareth Bale (Real Madrid & Wales)
- Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus & Italy)
- Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid & France)
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Portugal)
Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez (11th), Jamie Vardy (12th), and Dimitri Payet (13th) narrowly missed the shortlist, highlighting the Premier League’s growing influence.
Conclusion: What Grigg and Pogba’s Shared Ranking Teaches Us
Football isn’t just about stats or transfer fees—it’s about moments, narratives, and the magic of the unexpected. Jaya9 brings you this deep dive to remind fans that even in a data-driven era, the game’s soul lies in stories like Grigg’s rise and Pogba’s paradox.
Who deserved higher? Could Grigg have cracked the top 10 with a Euro 2016 appearance? Share your thoughts below and explore more exclusive analyses on Jaya9!
