The Ballon d’Or stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the world of football, celebrating the exceptional talent and achievements of players over the decades.
Since its inception in 1956, this annual award has recognized the finest athletes, from legendary figures like Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona to modern icons such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Each winner’s name is etched in football history, representing not just individual brilliance but also the evolution of the sport itself.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at all Ballon d’Or winners, exploring their careers, contributions to the game, and the legacies they have left behind.
Who has the most Ballon d’Or wins?
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or wins, having claimed the prestigious award eight times.
His victories came in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Following him is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
The list of players with multiple Ballon d’Or wins includes several football legends.
Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten each won the award three times.
Platini’s victories were in 1983, 1984, and 1985; Cruyff’s came in 1971, 1973, and 1974; while van Basten won in 1988, 1989, and 1992.
Additionally, there are several players who have won the award twice.
Franz Beckenbauer won it in 1972 and 1976; Ronaldo achieved his wins in 1997 and 2002; Alfredo Di Stefano was awarded in 1957 and 1959; Kevin Keegan won it in 1978 and 1979; and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge received the honor in 1980 and 1981.
How many Ballon d’Or does Real Madrid have?
Real Madrid has produced a total of 12 Ballon d’Or wins, which ties them with Barcelona for the most in history.
The club’s success in this prestigious award is attributed to eight different players who have won it while playing for Real Madrid.
The players who have won the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid include Alfredo Di Stéfano (1957, 1959), Raymond Kopa (1958), Ronaldo Nazário (2002), Luís Figo (2000), Fabio Cannavaro (2006), Cristiano Ronaldo (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), Luka Modrić (2018), and Karim Benzema (2022).
Ronaldo is the most notable contributor to this tally, having won the award four times during his time at the club.
How much gold is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or trophy features 5 kilograms of 18-carat gold on its surface.
However, it is important to note that the trophy itself is not made entirely of gold; it consists of a core made from a wax-like material and is constructed from brass plates that are soldered together to form the shape of a ball.
The outer layer is coated with the gold, while the base is made of pyrite, also known as fool’s gold.
1956: Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews, an English winger known for his exceptional dribbling and sportsmanship, became the first-ever recipient of the Ballon d’Or. His career spanned over three decades, and he was celebrated for his longevity in the game, playing at a high level into his 50s. Matthews was instrumental in Blackpool’s FA Cup victory in 1953, which solidified his status as a football legend.
1957: Alfredo Di Stéfano
Alfredo Di Stéfano, an Argentine-Spanish forward, won the Ballon d’Or in 1957 for his remarkable contributions to Real Madrid. Known for his versatility and tactical intelligence, Di Stéfano was a key figure in Madrid’s dominance during the late 1950s, helping the club secure five consecutive European Cups. His influence on the game earned him a place among football’s all-time greats.
1958: Raymond Kopa
Raymond Kopa, a French midfielder, received the Ballon d’Or in 1958 after shining with Real Madrid. Renowned for his creativity and vision on the pitch, Kopa played a crucial role in Madrid’s success during the late 1950s. He was part of the legendary team that won multiple European Cups and is remembered as one of France’s finest players.
1959: Alfredo Di Stéfano
Alfredo Di Stéfano won his second Ballon d’Or in 1959, further solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest forwards. His unique combination of skill, strength, and intelligence allowed him to dominate matches and lead Real Madrid to numerous victories. Di Stéfano’s impact on the game remains profound, influencing generations of players.
1960: Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez, a Spanish forward known for his incredible goal-scoring ability, won the Ballon d’Or in 1960 while playing for Barcelona. Suárez was celebrated for his technical skills and playmaking abilities, helping Barcelona secure multiple titles during his tenure. His legacy endures as one of Spain’s greatest footballers.
1961: Omar Sívori
Omar Sívori, an Argentine forward who played for Juventus, was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1961. Known for his agility and flair on the ball, Sívori was instrumental in Juventus’ success during the early 1960s. He is remembered as one of Argentina’s pioneering talents in European football.
1962: Josef Masopust
Josef Masopust, a Czech midfielder and key player for Czechoslovakia’s national team, won the Ballon d’Or in 1962. His exceptional vision and passing ability helped lead Czechoslovakia to the World Cup final that year. Masopust is celebrated as one of the best players of his era and remains a national hero in Czech football.
1963: Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin, often regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in football history, won the Ballon d’Or in 1963. The Soviet Union international was known for his remarkable reflexes and commanding presence on the field. Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have ever won the prestigious award.
1964: Denis Law
Denis Law, a Scottish forward who played primarily for Manchester United, received the Ballon d’Or in 1964. Renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and athleticism, Law was instrumental in United’s success during the 1960s. He is remembered as one of Manchester United’s all-time greats.
1965: Eusébio
Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, commonly known as Eusébio, won the Ballon d’Or in 1965 after an outstanding season with Benfica. The Mozambican forward was known for his incredible speed and powerful shot. Eusébio is celebrated as one of Portugal’s greatest footballers and left an indelible mark on European football.
1966: Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton, an English midfielder and Manchester United legend, received the Ballon d’Or in 1966 following England’s World Cup victory that year. Known for his powerful long-range shooting and leadership qualities, Charlton remains one of England’s most revered football figures.
1967: Flórián Albert
Flórián Albert became the first Hungarian player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1967. The forward was known for his technical skills and goal-scoring ability while playing for Ferencváros. Albert is celebrated as one of Hungary’s finest players during a golden era for Hungarian football.
1968: George Best
George Best won the Ballon d’Or in 1968 after a stellar season with Manchester United. The Northern Irish winger was famed for his dribbling skills and charisma both on and off the pitch. Best is often regarded as one of football’s greatest talents and an iconic figure in Manchester United’s history.
1969: Gianni Rivera
Gianni Rivera won the Ballon d’Or in 1969 while playing for AC Milan. The Italian midfielder was known for his creativity and playmaking abilities. Rivera played a crucial role in Milan’s success during this period and is remembered as one of Italy’s greatest players.
1970: Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff received the Ballon d’Or in 1970 after establishing himself as one of football’s most influential figures while at Ajax. Known for his exceptional skill and tactical awareness, Cruyff later became an iconic coach and philosopher of modern football.
1971: Johan Cruyff
Cruyff won his second Ballon d’Or in 1971 after leading Ajax to multiple domestic titles and their first European Cup victory that year. His innovative style of play revolutionized football tactics worldwide, making him a pivotal figure both as a player and later as a coach.
1972: Johan Cruyff
In 1972, Johan Cruyff secured his third consecutive Ballon d’Or title due to his extraordinary performances with Ajax. His influence extended beyond individual accolades; he helped shape “Total Football,” which transformed how teams approached tactics on the pitch.
1973: Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff continued his dominance by winning a fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or in 1973. His unique playing style combined technical brilliance with strategic insight, making him a key player not only at Ajax but also influencing future generations globally.
1974: Johan Cruyff
Cruyff’s fifth Ballon d’Or came in 1974 after leading Netherlands to their first World Cup final while continuing to excel at Barcelona. His impact on international football solidified his legacy as one of its all-time greats.
1975: Oleg Blokhin
Oleg Blokhin became the first Ukrainian player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1975 while playing for Dynamo Kyiv. Known for his speed and scoring ability, Blokhin made significant contributions to both club and country throughout his career.
1976: Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer received the Ballon d’Or in 1976 after leading West Germany to success at international competitions while playing primarily for Bayern Munich. Beckenbauer redefined defensive play with his elegant style and tactical intelligence.
1977: Allan Simonsen
Allan Simonsen won the Ballon d’Or in 1977 while playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Danish forward was known for his pace and technical skills that helped elevate both club performance domestically and internationally.
1978: Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan claimed the Ballon d’Or in 1978 after establishing himself as one of England’s top forwards with Hamburg SV. His dynamic style of play made him a fan favorite across Europe during this period.
1979: Kevin Keegan
Keegan won back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards by securing another title in 1979 due to consistent performances at Hamburg SV. He became known not just for goals but also leadership qualities that inspired teammates.
1980: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge earned the Ballon d’Or in 1980 following impressive displays with Bayern Munich that showcased both scoring ability and playmaking skills essential to team dynamics during matches.
1981: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Rummenigge secured another title by winning consecutive awards; he continued dominating European competitions with Bayern Munich through agility combined with sharp instincts around goal areas making him lethal against defenses everywhere he played.
1982: Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi captured global attention when he won the Ballon d’Or after leading Italy to victory at World Cup ’82 through remarkable performances including crucial goals showcasing resilience under pressure throughout tournament stages making history unforgettable!
1983: Michel Platini
Michel Platini received recognition through winning this prestigious award due largely because he embodied excellence both domestically (with Juventus) & internationally (with France), showcasing creativity alongside leadership throughout matches elevating overall gameplay standards significantly!
1984: Michel Platini
Platini earned consecutive honors by showcasing brilliance once again demonstrating exceptional talent contributing heavily towards Juventus’ successes during this period while also leading France into notable victories internationally solidifying status amongst legends forevermore!
1985: Michel Platini
In recognition once more showcasing brilliance through skillful displays alongside tactical awareness elevating standards across Europe winning yet another accolade solidifying position among elite players whose legacies continue inspiring future generations!
1986: Igor Belanov
Igor Belanov made history becoming first Ukrainian player honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played!
1987: Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit earned recognition through winning this prestigious award showcasing exceptional talent elevating standards across Europe contributing heavily towards AC Milan’s successes during this period leaving lasting impressions forevermore inspiring future generations!
1988: Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten captured global attention winning this prestigious award demonstrating brilliance through skillful displays alongside tactical awareness elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1989: Marco van Basten
Van Basten continued dominating European competitions winning back-to-back accolades showcasing finesse combined with sharp instincts around goal areas making him lethal against defenses everywhere he played cementing legacy amongst legends forevermore!
1990: Lothar Matthäus
Lothar Matthäus earned recognition receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1991: Jean-Pierre Papin
Jean-Pierre Papin made history becoming first Frenchman honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1992: Marco van Basten
Van Basten captured global attention once again becoming only player honored thrice showcasing brilliance through skillful displays alongside tactical awareness elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1993: Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio earned recognition receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1994: Hristo Stoichkov
Hristo Stoichkov made history becoming first Bulgarian honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1995: George Weah
George Weah captured global attention when he became first African player honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1996: Matthias Sammer
Matthias Sammer earned recognition receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1997: Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazário made history becoming youngest player honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1998: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane captured global attention when he became first Frenchman honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
1999: Rivaldo
Rivaldo made history becoming only Brazilian honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2000: Luís Figo
Luís Figo captured global attention when he became first Portuguese player honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2001: Michael Owen
Michael Owen made history becoming youngest Englishman honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2002: Ronaldo
Ronaldo Nazário returned capturing global attention once again becoming only player honored twice showcasing brilliance through skillful displays alongside tactical awareness elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2003: Pavel Nedvěd
Pavel Nedvěd earned recognition receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2004: Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko made history becoming only Ukrainian honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2005: Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho captured global attention when he became first Brazilian honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2006: Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro earned recognition receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2007: Kaká
Kaká made history becoming only Brazilian honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2008: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo captured global attention when he became first Portuguese player honored receiving this prestigious accolade showcasing incredible talent throughout matches displaying finesse combined with strategic insights elevating overall gameplay standards impressively leaving lasting impressions wherever played inspiring future generations!
2009-2021 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi dominated world football from 2009 onwards earning seven consecutive awards (2009-2012) followed by another win each year until 2021 demonstrating exceptional skill consistently setting records along way cementing status amongst legends forevermore!
2022: Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema claimed 2022 honor after leading Real Madrid triumphantly securing Champions League title exhibiting remarkable scoring prowess along way proving instrumental towards club success further solidifying legacy amongst elite players globally!
2023: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi returned capturing global attention once again securing eighth title 2023 following outstanding performances guiding Argentina towards World Cup glory proving resilience determination ultimately cementing status amongst legends forevermore!
2024: Rodri
Rodri made headlines winning 2024 honor becoming first Spanish player since 1960 awarded demonstrating defensive stability alongside key contributions towards club success ultimately proving instrumental guiding Manchester City triumphantly securing multiple titles including Premier League crown.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or has transcended its role as merely an award; it has become a symbol of excellence in football, celebrating the artistry, dedication, and passion that players bring to the game.
From the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews, to the modern-day legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, each recipient has contributed to the rich tapestry of football history.
Their achievements not only inspire future generations but also remind us of the beautiful game’s capacity to unite fans across the globe.
As we look ahead, the Ballon d’Or will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing dynamics of football while honoring those who elevate the sport through their extraordinary talent and hard work.
