10 Players Most Likely to Win the Super Ballon d’Or – Ranked
The Ballon d’Or is already football’s greatest individual honor, but the Super Ballon d’Or stands in a league of its own. Awarded only once before, in 1989 to Alfredo Di Stéfano, it recognized the greatest player of an entire generation. With speculation it could return in 2029, here are the ten stars most likely to claim the crown — ranked from tenth to first.
10. Xavi – The Midfield Conductor
Xavi Hernández defined an era of Barcelona and Spain’s dominance, orchestrating the game with unmatched vision and passing. He won every major honor, including a World Cup and two European Championships, while helping Barcelona lift four Champions League titles. His artistry in midfield wasn’t about goals, but about control, rhythm, and intelligence — qualities that make him a rightful contender for football’s rarest prize.
9. Luka Modrić – The Croatian Maestro
Luka Modrić broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly in 2018 by winning the Ballon d’Or, fueled by his brilliance at the World Cup where Croatia reached the final. With over 1,000 career appearances, six Champions League trophies, and a career spanning more than two decades, his consistency has been extraordinary. Widely seen as the greatest Croatian footballer ever, his place among the all-time elite is secure.
8. Gianluigi Buffon – The Immortal Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon redefined longevity between the posts, maintaining world-class standards for three decades. A World Cup winner and multiple-time Serie A champion, he holds the record for appearances in the Italian top flight and won an incredible 12 Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Though the Champions League eluded him, his impact and consistency make him one of the greatest players never to win the Ballon d’Or.
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7. Andrés Iniesta – Spain’s Silent Magician
Andrés Iniesta will forever be remembered for scoring Spain’s World Cup-winning goal in 2010, a strike that cemented his place in history. Beyond that, he was a midfield genius, blending technical mastery with decisive contributions in the biggest moments. With nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and two European Championships, Iniesta’s influence remains unmatched.
6. Paolo Maldini – The Eternal Defender
Paolo Maldini embodied elegance and discipline in defense, playing over 1,000 games for AC Milan across three decades. His trophy cabinet boasts five Champions League titles and seven Serie A crowns, an astonishing record for any player, let alone a defender. Revered for his composure and leadership, Maldini’s legacy as perhaps the greatest defender ever keeps his name in the Super Ballon d’Or discussion.
5. Ronaldinho – The Genius Who Played with Joy
Ronaldinho lit up football with his samba flair, dazzling skills, and infectious smile. At his peak, he made the game look effortless, winning the 2005 Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, and the World Cup. Though his career burned bright and faded quickly, his impact on football’s style and culture remains timeless.
4. Ronaldo Nazário – The Phenomenon
Ronaldo, known simply as “O Fenômeno,” combined speed, power, and grace in a way never seen before. He was the hero of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, earning redemption after heartbreak in 1998. With two Ballon d’Or titles and over 350 goals in a career shortened by injuries, R9’s brilliance remains unforgettable.
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3. Zinedine Zidane – The Artist of the Game
Zinedine Zidane made football look effortless, blending strength, elegance, and genius in equal measure. He won the World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and countless domestic titles, alongside the 1998 Ballon d’Or. Even his flaws, like the infamous Materazzi headbutt, only added to his aura as one of football’s most iconic figures.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – The Relentless Champion
Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated across England, Spain, and Italy, becoming football’s most prolific goalscorer with over 900 goals. His five Ballon d’Or wins, five Champions League trophies, and European Championship triumph with Portugal highlight his unmatched drive and longevity. A World Cup might have sealed his case for the Super Ballon d’Or, but his legacy already speaks volumes.
1. Lionel Messi – The Undisputed Favorite
Lionel Messi stands above all with eight Ballon d’Ors, a World Cup, four Champions League titles, and countless domestic triumphs. His record-breaking 871 goals and artistry on the ball have made him the face of football for nearly two decades. Should the Super Ballon d’Or return, there could be no more fitting recipient than Messi — the ultimate symbol of footballing greatness.
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