20 Football Stars Who Deserved the Ballon d’Or But Never Won It – Ranked
In the era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, countless footballers performed at generational levels yet never got their hands on the sport’s most prestigious individual award—the Ballon d'Or. This article looks back at 20 exceptional players whose legendary careers should have been crowned with the top honour, but who ultimately fell just short.
20. Manuel Neuer
As arguably the greatest goalkeeper of the 21st century, Neuer revolutionized the sweeper-keeper role with his fearless style and pinpoint distribution. Despite a historic 2014 that included a World Cup win and club dominance, the Ballon d’Or remained out of reach.
19. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo defined grace and intelligence in midfield, pulling strings for AC Milan, Juventus, and the Italian national team. With unmatched passing and calm under pressure, his genius was never crowned with the award he so richly deserved.
18. Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder reached his absolute peak in 2009/10 with Inter Milan, orchestrating their treble-winning season with vision and precision. Shockingly, he never even made the Ballon d'Or top three, a glaring omission that still baffles fans.
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17. Gareth Bale
Bale’s explosive speed and clutch performances, especially in finals, defined his early Real Madrid years. Despite decisive goals in Champions League triumphs, media narratives and injuries clouded the Welshman's rightful recognition.
16. Paolo Maldini
With over 25 major trophies and nearly 650 Serie A appearances, Maldini was a pillar of defensive excellence for AC Milan. Twice a Ballon d'Or third-place finisher, the iconic Italian never took home the award his legacy deserved.
15. Luis Suarez
From Ajax to Liverpool to Barcelona, Suarez combined goals, assists, and relentless intensity like few others. A two-time European Golden Shoe winner, his omission from Ballon d'Or glory feels unjust for a striker of his calibre.
14. Wayne Rooney
Rooney was the heartbeat of Manchester United and England for over a decade, scoring and creating at elite levels. Yet, even with his all-around brilliance, he never cracked the Ballon d'Or top three.
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13. Franck Ribery
Ribery was electric in Bayern’s treble-winning 2012/13 campaign and finished third in the Ballon d'Or voting that year. Many believe he should’ve beaten Messi and Ronaldo that season, considering his team and personal accolades.
12. Arjen Robben
Deadly on the right wing and master of the cut-inside-and-shoot move, Robben often stole the spotlight with game-winning performances. His Champions League-winning goal in 2013 capped off a Ballon d'Or-worthy year.
11. Karim Benzema
Benzema operated in Ronaldo’s shadow for years, consistently delivering goals and creativity for Real Madrid. Only when the spotlight turned toward him in 2022 did the world finally begin to recognize his brilliance.
10. Kenny Dalglish
‘King Kenny’ was the linchpin of Liverpool’s European dominance in the 1980s, winning six league titles and three European Cups. He came closest to the Ballon d'Or in 1983 but was edged out by Michel Platini.
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9. Thierry Henry
One of the most elegant and efficient forwards of his time, Henry’s dazzling Arsenal years set new standards. Despite an unbeaten season and Premier League dominance, the Ballon d'Or always slipped just out of reach.
8. Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o’s record speaks volumes: multiple Champions League wins, goals in finals, and treble triumphs with both Barcelona and Inter. His flexibility and effectiveness across systems made him world-class in any role.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan’s career is a masterpiece of longevity, adaptability, and flair, with trophies in almost every major league. Despite his extraordinary impact wherever he went, the Ballon d'Or remained an elusive accolade.
6. Sergio Ramos
Ramos was more than a defender—he was a leader, a goal-scorer, and a talisman for club and country. His key goals in Champions League finals and sheer consistency made a Ballon d'Or seem inevitable, yet it never came.
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5. Xavi
The midfield metronome behind Barcelona’s and Spain’s golden eras, Xavi made the complex look simple. He placed third three times but was often overshadowed by flashier teammates and rivals.
4. Andres Iniesta
Iniesta had the flair, vision, and match-winning magic—especially with his World Cup final goal for Spain. Runner-up in 2010, he perhaps suffered from being too subtle to earn football's loudest individual honour.
3. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s goal tally defies belief, with over 600 career goals and multiple golden boots. The cancelled 2020 Ballon d'Or cost him his clearest shot at the award despite near-universal consensus that he deserved it.
2. David Beckham
In 1999, Beckham was the heartbeat of United’s historic treble run, blending pinpoint passing with tireless energy. He finished second to Rivaldo, but many still argue he deserved the top prize that year.
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1. Neymar
Neymar’s dazzling skills, incredible numbers, and consistency have often been dismissed due to expectations and comparisons. Had he existed outside the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, the Brazilian star would likely have at least one Ballon d'Or to his name.
