Some of the greatest players in football history have dazzled fans with their skill, leadership, and consistency, yet never claimed the sport’s most prestigious individual award—the Ballon d’Or. Whether due to fierce competition, positional bias, or sheer misfortune, these legends were never crowned as the world’s best, despite coming agonizingly close.
We’ve taken a look at some of the finest footballers to have never won the Ballon d’Or, ranking them based on their talent, influence, and achievements, while also highlighting their highest finishes in the award’s voting.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
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A player with incredible skill, confidence, and a knack for scoring spectacular goals, Zlatan Ibrahimović was one of the best forwards of his generation. Despite his dominance in multiple leagues, he never won the Ballon d’Or, with his best finish being 4th place in 2013.
One of the finest defenders of the modern era, Virgil van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defense and played a crucial role in their Champions League and Premier League triumphs. He came closest to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2019, finishing as the runner-up behind Lionel Messi.
A true leader and Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard was known for his clutch performances and ability to dictate play from midfield. His best finish in the Ballon d’Or race was 3rd place in 2005, following Liverpool’s incredible Champions League triumph.
Robert Lewandowski
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One of the most prolific goal scorers of his era, Robert Lewandowski was the centerpiece of Bayern Munich’s dominance. He finished 2nd in the 2021 Ballon d’Or voting but was widely regarded as the rightful winner in 2020 when the award was canceled.
Arjen Robben
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A winger with blistering pace and an iconic left-footed shot, Arjen Robben was a nightmare for defenders. He was instrumental in Bayern Munich’s 2013 treble-winning season, earning him a 4th place finish in the Ballon d’Or that year.
Franck Ribéry
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An essential part of Bayern Munich’s golden era, Franck Ribéry was a magician on the ball with exceptional dribbling and vision. Despite being a key player in Bayern’s treble-winning campaign, he only managed 3rd place in the 2013 Ballon d’Or voting.
A maestro in midfield, Andrea Pirlo dictated play with his effortless passing and vision. His finest individual year came in 2007, when he led AC Milan to Champions League glory, finishing 5th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Gianluigi Buffon
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Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Gianluigi Buffon’s leadership and shot-stopping ability made him a legend. He came closest to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007, finishing 2nd after guiding Italy to World Cup glory the previous year.
Neymar
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A dazzling dribbler and creative force, Neymar has long been one of the most exciting players in the world. However, playing in the same era as Messi and Ronaldo has limited his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, with his best finishes being 3rd place in both 2015 and 2017.
Dennis Bergkamp
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One of the most elegant playmakers football has ever seen, Dennis Bergkamp was a magician with the ball at his feet. His vision and technique earned him a 2nd place finish in the 1993 Ballon d’Or voting while playing for Ajax and the Dutch national team.
A lethal striker with incredible finishing ability, Luis Suárez has been one of the most consistent goal scorers of the past decade. Despite winning numerous league titles and a Champions League, his highest Ballon d’Or ranking was 4th place in 2016.
Xavi
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A midfield genius, Xavi was the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain’s tiki-taka dominance. His intelligence and passing ability earned him three consecutive 3rd place finishes in the Ballon d’Or from 2009 to 2011, always behind Messi and Ronaldo.
Paolo Maldini
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A defensive icon, Paolo Maldini defined excellence and longevity in football. Despite a career filled with trophies and individual brilliance, he never won the Ballon d’Or, with his highest finishes being 3rd place in both 1994 and 2003.
Thierry Henry
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One of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, Thierry Henry was a goal-scoring machine with flair and elegance. He came closest to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2003, finishing 2nd behind Pavel Nedvěd despite an outstanding year with Arsenal.
A magician in midfield, Andrés Iniesta was the architect of Barcelona and Spain’s golden era, scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. That same year, he finished 2nd in the Ballon d’Or voting, an award many believe he deserved to win.
