15 youngest Ballon d’Or winners in football history (ranked)

October 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has celebrated the very best in world football. While legends like Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the 21st century, some players reached the sport’s pinnacle at remarkably young ages. Here's a countdown of the 15 youngest players to ever win football's most prestigious individual award.

15. Luis Suárez – age 25 years, 7 months, 11 days (1960)

Luis Suárez Miramontes — By Unknown author - Europei story: sono 7 i nerazzurri ad aver trionfato (in Italian). inter.it (June 11, 2021)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113544092

Not to be confused with the Uruguayan striker, this Luis Suárez was a Spanish midfielder who starred for Barcelona and Inter Milan. In 1960, he beat icons like Puskás and Di Stéfano to win the award, leaving a lasting legacy in European football.

14. Kaká – age 25 years, 7 months, 10 days (2007)

The Brazilian maestro was a joy to watch at his peak, dazzling fans with his grace, vision, and creativity at AC Milan. His Ballon d’Or win came after a sublime season in which he led Milan to Champions League glory.

13. Ruud Gullit – age 25 years, 3 months, 28 days (1987)

A dominant force in midfield, Gullit’s power, technique and versatility made him a standout for Milan and the Netherlands. His ability to dictate games at both ends of the pitch earned him the top individual honour in 1987.

12. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – age 25 years, 3 months, 5 days (1980)

Rummenigge was at the peak of his powers during the 1979/80 season, scoring 36 goals for Bayern and winning the Bundesliga. His efforts helped West Germany lift the European Championship, making him a worthy Ballon d’Or recipient.

11. Gerd Müller – age 25 years, 1 month, 26 days (1970)

One of football’s greatest finishers, Müller’s 1970 campaign included 38 goals for Bayern and a Golden Boot-winning World Cup performance. He became the first German to win the Ballon d'Or, cementing his legacy as a goal machine.

10. Allan Simonsen – age 25 years, 0 months, 12 days (1977)

Simonsen made history in 1977 as the first Danish winner of the Ballon d’Or. His standout performances for Borussia Mönchengladbach in both domestic and European competition saw him rise above other top names of the era.

9. Johan Cruyff – age 24 years, 8 months, 3 days (1971)

The icon of ‘Total Football’, Cruyff claimed his first Ballon d’Or after leading Ajax to their maiden European title. His intelligence, style and influence on the pitch changed the game forever.

8. Marco van Basten – age 24 years, 1 month, 27 days (1988)

After returning from injury, van Basten stunned Europe by firing the Netherlands to Euro 1988 glory, including a legendary volley in the final. His dominant return also saw him shine with AC Milan, earning his first of three Ballon d’Or titles.

7. Eusébio – age 23 years, 11 months, 3 days (1965)

The ‘Black Panther’ lit up Europe with Benfica and dominated the Portuguese league. His incredible performances led Portugal’s charge and made him the first player from the nation to win the Ballon d’Or.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo – age 23 years, 9 months, 27 days (2008)

CR7’s 2007/08 season was one of the best in Premier League history, scoring 42 goals and winning multiple trophies with Manchester United. His confidence matched his brilliance as he claimed the first of five Ballon d’Or awards.

5. Oleg Blokhin – age 23 years, 1 month, 25 days (1975)

Blokhin starred for Dynamo Kyiv and led them to Cup Winners’ Cup success, later claiming the European Super Cup. He became the second Soviet player to win the Ballon d'Or, finishing ahead of Beckenbauer and Cruyff.

4. George Best – age 22 years, 7 months, 2 days (1968)

The Northern Irish legend was a true showman, dazzling fans at Manchester United with his flair and creativity. He won the Ballon d’Or after helping the Red Devils lift the European Cup, becoming a cultural icon in the process.

3. Lionel Messi – age 22 years, 5 months, 7 days (2009)

Messi's first Ballon d'Or came after a historic sextuple-winning season with Barcelona. At just 22, he was already redefining greatness, earning 98.5% of the vote and becoming the first Argentinian to win the award.

2. Michael Owen – age 22 years, 4 days (2001)

Owen’s Ballon d'Or came off the back of Liverpool’s five-trophy haul in 2000/01, where he scored key goals throughout. His explosive pace and clinical finishing made him the youngest English winner in history.

1. Ronaldo Nazário – age 21 years, 3 months, 5 days (1997)

‘El Fenómeno’ exploded onto the world stage, scoring freely for Barcelona before moving to Inter. His Ballon d'Or win at 21 made him the youngest ever recipient, and though injuries later hampered his career, his talent was undeniable.