It’s remarkable that Lionel Messi holds the record for the best Ballon d’Or titles, with an impressive total of eight awards to his name.
Since 1956, the French magazine France Football has honored the Best Ballon d’Or Winners by awarding the Ballon d’Or each year, with an exception in 2020 when the award was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Known as the “Golden Ball,” this award goes to the best player of the previous season.
Widely regarded as the highest individual honor in football, the Ballon d’Or is one of the most valuable trophies in the sport, celebrated by fans worldwide. Stanley Matthews from England was the first to be named among the Best Ballon d’Or Winners. Over the years, legendary players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano, Lev Yashin, Eusebio, George Best, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Ruud Gullit, and Zinedine Zidane have all earned this prestigious title.
Initially, the Best Ballon d’Or Winners list was exclusive to men’s football. However, in 2018, France Football introduced the Ballon d’Or Féminin, recognizing the top female player, with Ada Hegerberg becoming its first honoree.
This article highlights the Best Ballon d’Or Winners in men’s football, celebrating the top 10 most distinguished winners of this prestigious award.
List of 10 Ballon d’Or Winners
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 2 | Lionel Messi |
| 3 | Michel Platini |
| 4 | Johan Cruyff |
| 5 | Marco van Basten |
| 6 | Franz Beckenbauer |
| 7 | Ronaldo Nazario |
| 8 | Alfredo Di Stefano |
| 9 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge |
| 10 | Lev Yashin |
10. Lev Yashin
Soviet icon Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d’Or, doing so in 1963. Known as the “Black Spider” or the “Black Panther,” Yashin’s exceptional abilities set him apart. Over his career, he saved 151 penalties and maintained over 270 clean sheets. France Football now also honors the best goalkeeper each year with the “Yashin Trophy,” introduced in 2018.
ALSO READ: How Many World Cup India Won in Cricket?
9. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
German and Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge secured two consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1980 and 1981. He won three Bundesliga Golden Boot awards and led his team to two league titles, two European Cups, and one UEFA Euro title with Germany.
8. Alfredo Di Stefano
The late Alfredo Di Stefano, a Real Madrid legend, is remembered as one of the most dangerous forwards in football history. He won two Ballon d’Or titles in 1957 and 1959. Di Stefano also won five Champions League titles, five Spanish Golden Boots, and eight league titles with Real Madrid. He remains the only player ever awarded the “Super Ballon d’Or,” presented to him on December 24, 1989, based on fan votes.
7. Ronaldo Nazario
The Brazilian star Ronaldo Nazario, often called “R9” or the “original” Ronaldo, is celebrated for his remarkable skill, despite a career hindered by injuries. He won two World Cups with Brazil and two Ballon d’Or awards (1997 and 2002). Ronaldo uniquely played for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as both Inter Milan and AC Milan during his career.
6. Franz Beckenbauer
Nicknamed “der Kaiser” or “the Emperor,” Franz Beckenbauer is considered one of football’s greatest defenders and the pioneer of the sweeper role. He spent most of his career with Bayern Munich, winning three Champions League titles and five Bundesliga titles. Beckenbauer also led Germany to victories in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro. He won the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1972 and 1976.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best NFL Stadiums by Size
5. Marco van Basten
Dutch forward Marco van Basten would be considered among the all-time best if injuries hadn’t cut his career short at 30. Despite struggling with an ankle injury from his early 20s, he won three Ballon d’Or awards (1988, 1989, and 1992) and earned two Champions League titles with AC Milan. Van Basten remains one of only five players to win the Ballon d’Or three times.
4. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff, one of the best Ballon d’Or winners, was not only an exceptional player but also a visionary manager who helped shape the “total football” philosophy. With Ajax, he secured three European club titles and nine Dutch league titles. Cruyff also won a La Liga title with Barcelona. A three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1971, 1973, and 1974), he remains one of the most celebrated players in football history.
3. Michel Platini
Younger fans may recognize Michel Platini as a former UEFA president, but he was also one of football’s best Ballon d’Or winners and a top midfielder. Platini achieved the remarkable feat of winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (1983, 1984, and 1985). He led France to a UEFA Euro title and also clinched two Serie A titles with Juventus.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, often celebrated as one of the best ballon d’Or Winners and widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, holds the record for the most trophies (45) in football history. He also leads with the highest number of Ballon d’Or wins in the sport, securing the prestigious award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
The Argentine legend completed his ultimate football dream in 2022 by lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, solidifying his status among the best ballon d’Or Winners. Most of his Ballon d’Or accolades were won during his tenure with FC Barcelona. Now in the final stage of his career, Messi plays for Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, marking yet another chapter as one of the best ballon d’Or Winners in football history.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Taking the top spot on our list of Best Ballon d’Or Winners is Lionel Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo holds the second-highest number of Ballon d’Or titles, with five awards in his collection. He clinched these awards in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Together, Ronaldo and Messi transformed the Ballon d’Or into a legendary two-horse race in the modern era.
Ronaldo’s achievements in football make him a prime example of hard work and dedication among the Best Ballon d’Or Winners. Now nearing the close of his illustrious career, he plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League yet continues to be the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football and the UEFA Champions League. Ronaldo won his inaugural Ballon d’Or award while at Manchester United, securing his other four during his remarkable tenure with Real Madrid.
READ MORE:
