in 87 and 88, Gullit, Van Basten, Emilio Butragueño, Rijkaard were all contenders for the Ballon d'Or. I don't think Barnes would have been out of place in that company, however, I would be hard pressed to say that Barnes would have won it in front of those players. 3 rd or 2nd in the voting yes, but first might have been a stretch,