The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, given annually to the world’s best player. Over the years, several clubs have seen their players take home this coveted trophy, showcasing their dominance in world football. This article highlights the clubs with the most Ballon d’Or wins, starting with Paris Saint-Germain and culminating with Barcelona at the top.
20. Paris Saint-Germain (1 win)
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Paris Saint-Germain is one of the youngest clubs on this list but still boasts a Ballon d’Or winner. Lionel Messi won the award in 2021 while playing for the French giants, following his transfer from Barcelona. PSG has become a powerhouse in European football, consistently signing world-class talents like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Though they have only one Ballon d’Or winner so far, the club’s ambitions suggest more could follow in the future.
19. Marseille (1 win)
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Marseille is the only French club, aside from PSG, to have had a Ballon d’Or winner. Jean-Pierre Papin claimed the award in 1991 while playing for the club, a period when he was among the most prolific strikers in Europe. Marseille remains one of France’s most historic teams, and they are still the only French club to have won the UEFA Champions League (1993).
Liverpool’s sole Ballon d’Or winner is Michael Owen, who won the trophy in 2001. The English forward had an exceptional year, leading the Reds to a historic treble that included the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. Despite boasting legends like Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool has not had multiple Ballon d’Or winners, but their recent successes with players like Mohamed Salah suggest that could change in the future.
Ferencváros, a Hungarian club, saw one of its greatest players, Flórián Albert, win the Ballon d’Or in 1967. Albert was known for his technical brilliance and elegant playing style, leading the club and Hungary to several triumphs. Though Ferencváros is no longer among Europe’s elite, Albert remains a legendary figure in football history.
16. Dynamo Moscow (1 win)
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Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, earned the honor in 1963 while playing for Dynamo Moscow. Known as the “Black Spider,” Yashin revolutionized goalkeeping with his incredible reflexes, leadership, and shot-stopping ability. His influence on the sport remains unparalleled, making Dynamo Moscow an essential part of Ballon d’Or history.
15. Dukla Prague (1 win)
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Josef Masopust won the Ballon d’Or in 1962 while playing for Dukla Prague. The Czechoslovakian midfielder was a key figure for both club and country, leading his national team to the 1962 FIFA World Cup final. His elegant playing style and leadership made him one of the greatest midfielders of his time.
14. Borussia Mönchengladbach (1 win)
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Allan Simonsen was the surprise Ballon d’Or winner in 1977 while playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Danish forward was instrumental in the club’s success during the 1970s, helping them win multiple Bundesliga titles and European trophies. His versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a standout performer.
Matthias Sammer won the Ballon d’Or in 1996, becoming the only Borussia Dortmund player to claim the award. The German sweeper was a crucial part of Dortmund’s Champions League-winning team in 1997 and Germany’s victorious Euro 1996 squad. His tactical intelligence and defensive solidity set him apart.
12. Blackpool (1 win)
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Stanley Matthews won the first-ever Ballon d’Or in 1956 while playing for Blackpool. Known as “The Wizard of the Dribble,” Matthews was a footballing pioneer and played professionally until the age of 50. Though Blackpool is no longer a major force in football, Matthews’ legacy remains legendary.
11. Benfica (1 win)
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Eusébio, the legendary Portuguese forward, won the Ballon d’Or in 1965 while playing for Benfica. His goal-scoring prowess and incredible skill led Benfica to domestic and European success, including a European Cup triumph in 1962. Eusébio remains one of the greatest players of all time.
10. Ajax (1 win)
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Johan Cruyff won his first Ballon d’Or while at Ajax in 1971. The Dutch maestro was instrumental in Ajax’s dominance, helping them win three consecutive European Cups. His vision, technique, and tactical intelligence laid the foundation for “Total Football,” a philosophy that transformed the game.
Hamburg produced a two-time Ballon d’Or winner in Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979). The English forward led the German club to Bundesliga success and was one of the best players of his generation. Hamburg’s presence on this list highlights their past European pedigree.
8. Inter Milan (2 wins)
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Inter Milan has had two Ballon d’Or winners: Lothar Matthäus (1990) and Ronaldo Nazário (1997). Matthäus was a key figure for both Inter and Germany, while Ronaldo’s explosive pace and skill made him a global superstar. Inter remains one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
7. Dynamo Kiev (2 wins)
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Oleg Blokhin (1975) and Igor Belanov (1986) won the Ballon d’Or while playing for Dynamo Kiev. Both players were instrumental in Soviet football dominance, leading Kiev to domestic and European success. Their impact on Eastern European football was immense.
6. Manchester United (4 wins)
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Manchester United has had four Ballon d’Or winners: Denis Law (1964), Bobby Charlton (1966), George Best (1968), and Cristiano Ronaldo (2008). These players shaped United’s legacy, helping them win multiple domestic and European titles.
Bayern Munich boasts five Ballon d’Or winners, including Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), Gerd Müller (1970), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981), and more recently, Matthias Sammer (1996). Their dominance in German and European football is reflected in their rich Ballon d’Or history.
4. AC Milan (8 wins)
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AC Milan has had legendary Ballon d’Or winners such as Gianni Rivera (1969), Ruud Gullit (1987), Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992), George Weah (1995), Andriy Shevchenko (2004), and Kaká (2007). Milan’s history of producing world-class talent is evident.
3. Juventus (8 wins)
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Juventus has also had eight Ballon d’Or winners, including Omar Sivori (1961), Paolo Rossi (1982), Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985), Roberto Baggio (1993), and Zinédine Zidane (1998). Their status as Italy’s most successful club is reflected in these victories.
2. Real Madrid (12 wins)
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Real Madrid has produced legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano (1957, 1959), Raymond Kopa (1958), Luis Figo (2000), Ronaldo Nazário (2002), Fabio Cannavaro (2006), Cristiano Ronaldo (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), and Luka Modrić (2018). Their dominance in world football is undeniable.
Barcelona matches Real Madrid with 12 Ballon d’Or winners, led by Johan Cruyff (1973, 1974), Hristo Stoichkov (1994), Rivaldo (1999), Ronaldinho (2005), and most notably, Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019). Messi alone defines an era of football greatness.
