The Ballon
d'Or, awarded annually to the world's best footballer by France Football, is
seen by many to be the most prestigious personal accolade in the world's
greatest footballing contest. Ever since its launch in 1956, the honor has gone
to the game's greatest idols and has been taken as an assured measure of a
player's brilliance, spotting the world's best players and history's. Throughout the
decades, numerous legends have won the highly prized golden ball, but few have
achieved this feat more than once. This article looks at the top 11 list of
ballon d or winners, listed in order of the number of titles achieved,
taking into account not only their wins but also the lasting influence they
have had on the beautiful game.
The next
eleven football legends have left an everlasting impression on the game, beyond
just winning the award but also going on to set football
records that may never be broken. Come along with us as we discover their
careers, achievements, and why they rank among the greatest.
Top 11
Ballon d Or winners of All Time
1. Lionel
Messi – (8 Ballon d'Or Wins)
2. Cristiano
Ronaldo – (5 Ballon d'Or Wins)
3. Michel
Platini – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
4. Johan
Cruyff – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
5. Marco van
Basten – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
6. Franz
Beckenbauer – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
7. Ronaldo
Nazário de Lima – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
8. Alfredo Di
Stéfano – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
9. Kevin
Keegan – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
10. Karl-Heinz
Rummenigge – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
11. Ronaldinho
Gaúcho – (1 Ballon d'Or Win)
11.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho – (1 Ballon d'Or Win)
Ronaldinho was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2005,
the ultimate accolade that sealed his magical influence on the game at the peak
of his abilities. Ronaldinho enchanted the world in 2005 with his magical
dribbling, vision, and creativity, leading FC Barcelona to La Liga title
triumph. The same season, he contributed significantly to Barca’s re-emergence
as a European power by helping his team win their first Champions League title
in 14 years.
According to Goal.com,
he was afforded a standing ovation by Real Madrid fans at Santiago Bernabeu -
the ultimate tribute to his magical talent. Renowned for his effortless style
and happy-go-lucky approach, Ronaldinho was a unique talent capable of turning
games on his own. His iconic displays, such as the standing ovation he garnered
at the Santiago Bernabéu following a masterclass against Real Madrid, are still
etched in the memory of football.
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Apart from
trophies, like the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and the 2006 Champions League,
his legacy lies in having inspired a generation of players and reminded the
world that football is, above all, a game of joy.
10.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Finishing off
the list is Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a cerebral and clinical forward who
won the Ballon d'Or in 1980 and 1981. The German striker was a mainstay for
Bayern Munich and the West German national team during a golden age for both
teams. Rummenigge's style of play was based on movement, accuracy, and timing.
He was not the most flamboyant player, but he had a killer touch in front of
goal and a tendency to appear in key situations.
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His role in
Germany's 1980 European Championship bid was pivotal, and his performances for
club and European football earned him two successive Ballon d'Or awards. He
continued to be a significant contributor to football off the pitch as a
much-respected executive, but his Ballon d'Or wins are enduring reminders of
his talent in his playing career.
9. Kevin
Keegan – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Kevin
Keegan may not be the
first of his names that springs to mind in world football, but as a
back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner in 1978 and 1979, it shows just
how dominant he was at his best. Keegan collected his awards with Hamburg in
Germany, where he was the popular hero. His tireless work ethic, creativity,
and goal-scoring touch did much to mold the club into Bundesliga challengers
and bring international respect for English footballers abroad.
What Keegan
lacked in natural talent, he made up for with determination and heart. He was a
team player, a motivator, and charismatic leader whose passion for the game was
infectious. His Ballon d'Ors are a shining reminder that greatness comes in
many different forms—and that hard work and leadership can be as brilliant as
innate ability.assistant.
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8. Alfredo
Di Stéfano – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
One of the
architects of the modern game, Alfredo Di Stéfano's influence spreads
far beyond his pair of Ballon d'Or awards. The Spanish-Argentine striker was
the fulcrum for Real Madrid's traditional team which dominated Europe
throughout the 1950s. Di Stéfano was greater than a goal-scorer—he was a
finisher. He could play deep, he could set the tempo, press relentlessly, and
score.
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His
versatility made him indispensable, and his captaincy on the pitch led Madrid
to five consecutive European Cups. His Ballon d'Or awards in 1957 and 1959
recognized his unchallenged dominance of the sport during this golden era.
While statistics only tell half the story, anyone who saw Di Stéfano play knew
he was years, nay decades, ahead of his contemporaries.
In so many
ways, he was the prototype for the modern attacking midfielder or false
nine—before such designations had even been conceived. His Ballon d'Ors are a
testament to a player who was football's very first superstar.
7. Ronaldo
Nazário de Lima – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Ronaldo
Nazário—aka "O
Fenômeno"—was the sport's most force-of-nature player. His two Ballon
d'Ors bracket two peerless books of a career continuously derailed by injury
but never by doubt. In 1997, at just 21, Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or
after lighting the world with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
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His fusion of
searing speed, power, and daft ability was unmatched in the game. Then tragedy
hit, injury, and a tortuous return. His second Ballon d'Or of 2002 was one of
determination. After nearly two years' absence from the game, Ronaldo returned
to lead Brazil to World Cup glory, scoring eight goals—two of them in the
final. That year, he also returned to Real Madrid's Galácticos in triumphant
return.
Ronaldo's
Ballon d'Or story isn't just about talent—it's a tale about heart. His legacy
is a story of hardship overcome to rise again to great heights on the world
stage.
6. Franz
Beckenbauer – (2 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Franz Beckenbauer, the "Der
Kaiser," created a new standard of what a defender was capable of. A
sweeper great and tactician's master who redefined the role. His two Ballon
d'Or prizes—rare for a defender—testament to his superiority and uniqueness.
Beckenbauer was the prototype sweeper or "libero"—free role defender
capable of initiating attacks and dictating play from behind.
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His ball
control, tactical sense, and calm nature were the defining qualities that made
him stand out for Germany's golden generation. His first success in 1972 was
after his leadership in guiding West Germany to victory in the European
Championship. His second, in 1976, was a testament to his continued dominance
and leadership at Bayern Munich and for the national team.
Beckenbauer
was not just a footballer but a field commander. His Ballon d'Ors are a rare
tribute to a defensive genius who influenced generations of center-backs and
revolutionized the defensive landscape forever.
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5. Marco
van Basten – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Marco van
Basten was a forward
from another era, with phenomenal technique and finishing power. Few strikers
have had the blend of elegance and deadliness that Marco van Basten had. Three
Ballon d'Ors were won by the Dutch forward, and possibly more if not for
injuries cutting short his career. Van Basten's first Ballon d'Or came in 1988
after an incredible European Championship, where he scored one of the most
iconic goals in football history—a sublime volley in the final against the
USSR, when his nation triumphed in the European Championship.
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His next
Ballon d'Ors in 1989 and 1992 were evidence of his dominance at AC Milan during
the club's golden age, taking the club to domination, by securing the European
Club Championship. With the talent, impeccable timing, aerial threat, and
technical ability, great movement and clinical finishing, Van Basten could
score any type of goal. He was not a
finisher, but an artist in the box. To this day, he is considered one of the
most complete strikers in football history. Even though his career was
prematurely cut short at the age of only 28, Van Basten's Ballon d'Or wins are
testament to his short but glittering best—a player whose best blazed hot, if
momentarily, and made an indelible mark.
4. Johan
Cruyff – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Johan
Cruyff didn't just win
the Ballon d'Ors—he transformed the sport. The Dutch legend was the very
essence of "Total Football," a tactical innovation built on fluidity,
imagination, and positional change. Cruyff's first Ballon d'Or was won in 1971
at Ajax, where he dominated terms for a side that would eventually rule Europe.
His subsequent successes in 1973 and 1974 coincided with his move to Barcelona
and the Netherlands' remarkable progress to the 1974 World Cup final. It was
his intelligent approach that set Cruyff apart.
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He was not
just playing football—he was thinking two paces in front of the rest. His
iconic "Cruyff Turn" and his ability to bully defenders aside made
him a joy to watch. Fantastic movement, pinpoint dribbling, and creative
strategies defined Cruyff's part in football strategy that remains unsurpassed
to date. Beyond his Ballon d'Or titles, Cruyff's standing looms larger than
football theory.
He initiated
the modern Barcelona and influenced the next generations of players and coaches
as well. His Ballon d'Or titles are simply honors for a man who consistently
led the era.
3. Michel
Platini – (3 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Michel Platini was a brilliant
midfielder whose role to control and score placed him among the greatest
playmakers in history. His general brilliance in the Mid-1980s earned him three
Ballon d'Or awards consecutively. In those days, Michel Platini was the king of
the football kingdom. The French enchanter won the Ballon d'Or three years in a
row—something which only a handful of players have ever managed.
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His vision,
style, and bizarre ability to score from midfield positions made him one of the
greatest players of his generation. Platini's golden years were during his
stint at Juventus, where he was instrumental in turning the club into an
European powerhouse. His playing during the European championships, and even
his captaincy of the French national team, especially during their 1984 UEFA
European Championship win, made him the target of effusive praise. It was not
necessarily his technical ability that made Platini special—but his head. He
controlled games with seeming nonchalance and could control the tempo like a
maestro conducting a symphony.
He
revolutionized football and redefined playmakers by setting new levels of
beauty in passing, intelligence, and scoring from the midfield. Despite
controversy in his life after retirement, his Ballon d'Or awards are a golden
page of football history where French football reached its peak level because
of his brilliance.
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2.
Cristiano Ronaldo – (5 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Cristiano Ronaldo is the
quintessential embodiment of drive, discipline, determination, and relentless
goal-scoring ability. With five Ballon d'Or awards to his name, the Portuguese
striker has proceeded to defy expectations time and again, retooling himself
across clubs and generations. From his early days at Sporting CP to becoming a
global phenomenon at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and
Portugal, Ronaldo has redefined modern football.
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His playing
style is distinguished by explosive velocity, stunning finishing, and attacking
aerials. Ronaldo's first win in 2008 came during his explosive emergence at
Manchester United, in which his balance of flair, velocity, and power turned
him into a global icon. But it was his rivalry with Messi that propelled him to
heights further than that. Between 2013 and 2017, Ronaldo amassed four Ballon
d'Ors, fueled by Champions League titles at Real Madrid and eye-watering
individual performances.
Each success
is a story of various types—of spellbinding hat-tricks, pressure games, and an
unquenching ambition for success. He thrived under pressure and produced on the
biggest stages, from Old Trafford to the Santiago Bernabéu to Juventus Stadium.
Whilst debates of Messi vs. Ronaldo will continue to burn and blaze on and on,
one thing is certain: Ronaldo's legacy in modern-day football. His Ballon d'Or
awards are a reflection of how he evolved—from the flashy winger to the
goal-scoring machine and the leader who inspired generations.
1. Lionel
Messi – (8 Ballon d'Or Wins)
Few players
have defined an era as Lionel Messi has. Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or
record is not just impressive—it’s historic. No other player has claimed the
award more than the Argentine magician, who has lifted the golden trophy eight
times. Known for his sublime dribbling, unmatched vision, and otherworldly
consistency, Messi’s reign at the top has spanned nearly two decades. His
Ballon d'Or victories prove his individual brilliance and his ability to lead
teams to success—whether with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, or the Argentina
national team.
His first Ballon d'Or
in 2009 marked the beginning of a new era. Between 2009 and 2012, Messi amassed
four consecutive Ballon d'Ors—something unprecedented at that time. During
these years, he dazzled under Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, with Xavi and Iniesta
by his side, forming a deadly combination. His 91-goal year in 2012 remains one
of football's most astonishing achievements. Later wins in 2015, 2019, 2021,
and 2023 confirmed his longevity and adaptability.
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His
performances at PSG, and particularly his leadership in Argentina's 2021 Copa
America and 2022 World Cup victories, silenced critics who doubted his
international credentials. Messi’s Ballon d’Or legacy isn’t merely about
numbers—it’s about artistry. He lyricized football, and his name is never to be
forgotten in records of sporting distinction, as history's most-decorated
Ballon d'Or winner to date, his inspiration to several generations of future
footballers.
Conclusion
The Ballon
d’Or is more than a trophy—it’s a chronicle of football’s finest. From Messi’s
magic and Ronaldo’s relentlessness to Cruyff’s innovation and Di Stéfano’s
pioneering genius, each player on this ballon d’or winners list
redefined excellence in their own way. These ten legends didn’t just win
trophies—they inspired nations, transformed clubs, and captured the hearts of
millions. Their Ballon d'Or triumphs are not only reflections of their
individual brilliance but milestones in football history itself.
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People Also
Ask About
Who is the
8x Ballon d'Or winner?
- The player with the most Ballon
d'Or awards is Lionel Messi, who has won the award a record eight times.
He has been awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019,
2021, and 2023.
Who is the
youngest Ballon d'Or winner?
- The youngest-ever Ballon d'Or
winner is Ronaldo Nazario, who scooped up the award at just 21 years, five
months and three days old.
What is the
rarest Ballon d'Or award?
- The Super Ballon d'Or is
considered the rarest Ballon d'Or award, as it was only awarded once in
1989 to Alfredo Di Stéfano. It was presented to the best player from the
last three decades, and only one winner has been recognized. Di Stéfano
was chosen for the award after being voted the best multiple winner of the
Ballon d'Or.
Who has the
most Ballon d'Or winners in history?
- Lionel Messi holds the record for
the most Ballon d'Or wins, with a total of eight awards. Cristiano Ronaldo
is second with five wins, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco
van Basten each won it three times.
At what age
did CR7 win his first Ballon d'Or?
- He went on to become a star player
at United, as they won three consecutive Premier League titles, the
Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup; his 2007–08 season earned
him his first Ballon d'Or, aged 23.
Who won the
Ballon d'Or in 2024?
- In the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony,
Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, won the Men's Ballon
d'Or. He also won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, according to Eurosport.
Additionally, Aitana Bonmati won the Women's Ballon d'Or.
Who was the
first Super Ballon d Or?
- The first and only winner of the
Super Ballon d'Or was Alfredo Di Stéfano, in 1989. The award was presented
by France Football to honor the best player of the previous three
decades.
Who has
more Ballon d ors than Messi?
- Lionel Messi has won the Ballon
d'Or a record eight times, which is more than any other player. Cristiano
Ronaldo has won the award five times, making him second on the list.
Who has the
highest number of Ballon d or in football history?
- Lionel Messi holds the record for
the most Ballon d'Or awards in football history, with a total of eight
wins. He has won the award in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021,
and 2023.
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