Every Ballon d’Or Winner Ranked From Worst to Best
The Ballon d'Or is football’s highest individual honor, awarded annually to the player deemed the best in the world. While every recipient has undeniably showcased world-class talent, some wins have sparked more debate than others. This ranking evaluates all 46 Ballon d’Or winners from worst to best, based on their performances in the year of their triumph and how deserving they were of the accolade.
46. Matthias Sammer
Sammer was a fine player and a key part of Germany's Euro 1996 success, but his Ballon d’Or win didn’t resonate globally. Compared to the flamboyant or dominant winners on this list, he simply didn’t leave the same mark.
45. Igor Belanov
Belanov was spectacular at the 1986 World Cup, notably scoring a hat-trick against Belgium. However, his win is largely forgotten outside Eastern Europe, and many believe more deserving stars were overlooked.
44. Pavel Nedved
Nedved’s 2003 win was mired in controversy, especially with Thierry Henry boasting vastly superior stats that season. While a brilliant midfielder, his win didn’t reflect the best individual performance that year.
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43. Fabio Cannavaro
As a defender, Cannavaro’s win in 2006 was rare and commendable, but his triumph is still debated. Some argue that World Cup performances skewed the vote rather than consistent brilliance throughout the season.
42. Michael Owen
Owen’s 2001 victory surprised many, especially since Raul and others were in better form across all competitions. His win is remembered more for the shock it caused than for overwhelming merit.
41. Allan Simonsen
Simonsen remains one of the lesser-known winners, shining in 1977 but lacking the long-term stardom many others enjoyed. His achievement was significant for Denmark, yet limited in broader impact.
40. Andriy Shevchenko
A lethal striker, Shevchenko’s 2004 win reflected a strong season, yet he’s ranked low due to the relatively subdued competition that year. His Ballon d’Or win doesn’t define his legacy.
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39. Rodri
Rodri’s 2024 win will likely divide opinion for years. Despite his midfield mastery, others like Vinicius Jr. had arguably more influential seasons.
38. George Weah
Weah’s 1995 victory was monumental for Africa, but some question whether he was the absolute best that year. Still, his historic win remains symbolic for global football development.
37. Karim Benzema
Benzema's 2022 win came after a strong Champions League run, but it lacked the enduring dominance of the sport's all-time greats. His case is solid but not unforgettable.
36. Josef Masopust
The Czech playmaker was classy and composed, earning the 1962 award after a strong World Cup. However, his legacy hasn’t stood the test of time globally.
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35. Kevin Keegan
Keegan won back-to-back Ballon d’Ors, a rare feat, while playing in Germany for Hamburg. Despite that, he’s often overlooked in lists of the game’s true elites.
34. Roberto Baggio
A creative genius, Baggio dazzled in the early 90s but had stiff competition in 1993. His Ballon d’Or remains a highlight of his career, though his World Cup heartbreak lingers more in memory.
33. Rivaldo
Rivaldo won in 1999 thanks to a strong showing with Barcelona and Brazil. However, his win felt more like a recognition of consistent quality than a standout year.
32. Stanley Matthews
As the first-ever winner in 1956, Matthews’ influence was immense. But compared to modern legends, his technical level belongs to a different footballing era.
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31. Luis Figo
Figo’s 2000 win came during his controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. It was a fine year, but perhaps overshadowed by the drama around him.
30. Paolo Rossi
Rossi was Italy’s World Cup hero in 1982, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. His Ballon d’Or was justified by a remarkable tournament rather than an entire season of brilliance.
29. Kaka
Kaka’s 2007 win marked the end of the pre-Messi-Ronaldo era. He was spectacular for AC Milan but had a short-lived peak compared to other winners.
28. Lev Yashin
Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, which makes his 1963 award legendary. His ranking reflects the difficulty of comparing goalkeeping impact to outfield exploits.
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27. Luka Modric
Modric broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly in 2018 after leading Croatia to a World Cup final and helping Madrid to UCL glory. A technical genius, but his stats weren’t extraordinary.
26. Denis Law
The Scottish striker was a Manchester United icon in the 60s, winning in 1964. Though not the most glamorous player, he was certainly effective.
25. Ruud Gullit
Gullit’s powerful, stylish performances for Milan and the Netherlands made him a dominant presence in 1987. His leadership and elegance stood out.
24. Jean-Pierre Papin
Papin’s 1991 win was deserved, thanks to his clinical finishing. Though less remembered than others, he was lethal in front of goal.
23. Hristo Stoichkov
Stoichkov was the face of Barcelona’s Dream Team and led Bulgaria to a World Cup semi-final. His flair and fire made him unforgettable in 1994.
22. Omari Sivori
The Argentine-born Italian striker dazzled in 1961 with flair and finesse. Though not a global icon, his skills were undeniable.
21. Oleg Blokhin
A Soviet legend, Blokhin was unstoppable domestically and a key figure in Dynamo Kyiv’s dominance. His 1975 win was thoroughly deserved.
20. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Rummenigge won in 1980 and 1981, combining Bundesliga dominance with international class. He was a relentless forward with high consistency.
19. Florian Albert
Hungary’s last great footballer, Albert’s 1967 Ballon d’Or was a nod to his elegance and intelligence. However, he’s lesser known today outside Europe.
18. Marco van Basten
Van Basten won three Ballon d’Ors in just five years before injuries ruined his career. At his peak, few strikers were more graceful or lethal.
17. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho’s 2005 award captured his magical aura at Barcelona. His joy, creativity, and showmanship defined a generation.
16. George Best
A rockstar on the pitch, Best won in 1968 as Manchester United conquered Europe. His raw talent and flair were second to none.
15. Michel Platini
Platini dominated the mid-80s with three straight wins, orchestrating France’s midfield with poise and goals. One of Europe’s finest.
14. Eusebio
Eusebio lit up the 1960s with Benfica and Portugal, winning in 1965. A predator in front of goal, he remains an icon in world football.
13. Lothar Matthäus
Matthäus led Germany to the 1990 World Cup and was the engine of both Inter and Bayern Munich. A complete midfielder with leadership qualities.
12. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane’s 1998 Ballon d’Or followed his World Cup heroics for France. A magician with the ball, his vision and technique were unrivaled.
11. Sir Bobby Charlton
Charlton’s leadership in England’s 1966 World Cup win earned him the Ballon d’Or. He remains one of the most respected figures in British football.
10. Gianni Rivera
Rivera’s 1969 win was a reward for his class and composure in Milan’s midfield. Often overlooked, he was a true tactician.
9. Raymond Kopa
Kopa won in 1958 and had the Kopa Trophy named in his honor. A playmaker ahead of his time, he was integral to Real Madrid’s early European dominance.
8. Luis Suarez
The first and only Spanish-born winner, Suarez (not the Uruguayan) claimed the 1960 award. His technical brilliance led Barcelona and Inter to success.
7. Gerd Muller
Der Bomber dominated with his unmatched scoring instincts, winning in 1970. His World Cup exploits and club stats speak for themselves.
6. Alfredo Di Stefano
Di Stefano won twice in the 1950s, laying the foundation for Real Madrid’s dynasty. His all-around game makes him one of football’s all-time greats.
5. Franz Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer’s elegance, tactical mind, and success as a sweeper earned him two Ballon d’Ors. He redefined the defender’s role.
4. Johan Cruyff
Cruyff was the face of Total Football and an artist with the ball. With three wins and a revolutionary impact on the sport, his legacy is eternal.
3. Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo’s blend of speed, power, and technique saw him win twice, despite recurring injuries. In his prime, he was simply unstoppable.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
A physical marvel with unmatched longevity, Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Ors cement his place in history. His consistency at the highest level is legendary.
1. Lionel Messi
With eight Ballon d’Ors and a style that transcends eras, Messi is the ultimate winner. A blend of vision, dribbling, and playmaking genius, he stands alone at the top.
