Every Ballon d’Or Winner Ranked from Worst to Best
Winning the Ballon d’Or is football’s ultimate individual accolade. It represents not just brilliance, but dominance over a calendar year. Since Stanley Matthews first won the award in 1956, only a select group of players have lifted the famous golden ball. While every winner is an elite talent, not all Ballon d’Or victories are remembered equally. Some years produced iconic, era-defining champions, while others sparked controversy and debate.
This ranking goes through all 47 winners, from those considered the least deserving to the undisputed legends of the sport. Each entry reflects how influential, deserving, and memorable the player was in the specific year they won the Ballon d’Or. From surprise victors to all-time greats, here is the definitive list of every Ballon d’Or winner ranked from worst to best.
47. Matthias Sammer (1996)
Sammer was a fine defender and a key part of Germany’s Euro 1996-winning squad. Playing as a sweeper, he marshalled the defence and even contributed vital goals in the tournament. However, his Ballon d’Or triumph is widely debated, as many felt others were more deserving that year. While excellent, his victory doesn’t resonate like most winners on this list.
46. Igor Belanov (1986)
Belanov’s win remains one of the more surprising Ballon d’Or results. Playing for Dynamo Kyiv, he impressed at the 1986 World Cup with a memorable hat-trick against Belgium. Yet, many argue that others, including Gary Lineker, were stronger candidates. Belanov was talented but lacked the global stature of most winners.
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45. Pavel Nedvěd (2003)
Nedvěd was a tireless, creative midfielder for Juventus, helping them reach the Champions League final and win Serie A. His work rate and leadership were immense, but critics argue Thierry Henry was robbed, given his 42-goal, 26-assist season. A controversial win, leaving Nedvěd ranked low despite his brilliance.
44. Fabio Cannavaro (2006)
The only defender since 1996 to win the award, Cannavaro lifted it after captaining Italy to World Cup glory. His leadership and defensive resilience were heroic, but many feel his career outside that summer didn’t merit Ballon d’Or status. Still, his victory symbolises how rare defenders’ recognition is.
43. Michael Owen (2001)
Owen had a strong year with Liverpool, winning a treble of cups and scoring decisive goals. His pace and finishing were deadly. Yet, many questioned his victory, as Raul and others had stronger claims. Owen’s win remains controversial and places him near the bottom of this ranking.
42. Allan Simonsen (1977)
The Danish forward enjoyed a fine year with Borussia Mönchengladbach, showing flair and goalscoring ability. While respected, he lacked the global presence of other winners. His Ballon d’Or is one of the more forgotten triumphs, making him one of the lower-ranked winners.
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41. Andriy Shevchenko (2004)
Shevchenko was a brilliant striker, especially with AC Milan. In 2004, he was Serie A’s top scorer and helped Milan secure domestic glory. Yet compared to other winners, his season wasn’t as dominant globally. While a top striker, his Ballon d’Or year wasn’t era-defining.
40. Rodri (2024)
Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City’s treble run, dictating games from midfield and scoring key goals. His calm authority and tactical intelligence stood out. However, his win sparked debate, with many believing Vinicius Jr. deserved it more. Rodri is world-class, but his Ballon d’Or win is contentious.
39. George Weah (1995)
The only African Ballon d’Or winner, Weah’s triumph is historic. With PSG and AC Milan, his pace, power, and goals made him unstoppable. While his legacy as an African icon is huge, some felt his performances didn’t quite eclipse rivals that year. Still, he remains a trailblazer.
38. Karim Benzema (2022)
Benzema finally received recognition after carrying Real Madrid to Champions League and La Liga glory. His goals were crucial, and his leadership shone through. However, many argue his Ballon d’Or came late in his career and lacked the longevity of other legends, keeping him mid-table in this ranking.
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37. Josef Masopust (1962)
The Czechoslovakian midfielder was brilliant at the 1962 World Cup, guiding his nation to the final. His composure and creativity earned him respect across Europe. While his career was excellent, his global impact wasn’t as great as other winners.
36. Kevin Keegan (1978 & 1979)
Keegan won back-to-back Ballon d’Ors while at Hamburg, showcasing work rate, energy, and goals. While an icon in England, his victories surprised many, as others had stronger claims. His influence was strong in Germany, but his legacy falls short compared to other multiple winners.
35. Roberto Baggio (1993)
The Italian playmaker was pure artistry, carrying Juventus and Italy with flair and vision. In 1993, he shone in Europe, winning the UEFA Cup. While iconic, his Ballon d’Or year wasn’t his absolute peak, which came at the 1994 World Cup. His genius was undeniable, but the timing places him mid-ranking.
34. Rivaldo (1999)
Rivaldo’s brilliance was unmatched, combining long-range shooting with creativity at Barcelona. In 1999, he inspired Brazil to Copa América victory and Barca to league success. Despite his quality, his Ballon d’Or year lacked the consistency of others, keeping him outside the elite tier.
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33. Stanley Matthews (1956)
The very first winner of the Ballon d’Or, Matthews was a dribbling magician who played well into his 40s. At 41, he became the inaugural champion. While historic, his win came before the modern football boom, and compared to later winners, it feels more symbolic than dominant.
32. Luís Figo (2000)
Figo’s controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid defined 2000. He starred for Portugal and was central to Madrid’s Galácticos era. His ability to control games with skill and vision was immense. Still, many felt Zidane deserved it that year, keeping Figo lower than some.
31. Paolo Rossi (1982)
Rossi’s World Cup heroics defined 1982, with six goals, including a hat-trick against Brazil. His finishing carried Italy to glory. Yet, outside that summer, his season wasn’t extraordinary. His Ballon d’Or was deserved but limited to one magical month, keeping him at 31.
30. Ousmane Dembélé (2025)
Dembélé dazzled at PSG, winning Ligue 1, domestic cups, and the Champions League. His dribbling and creativity terrorised defenders. Yet, compared to past winners, his dominance was brief and less global. His victory is memorable but ranks lower among legends.
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29. Kaká (2007)
Kaká led AC Milan to Champions League glory, dismantling Manchester United and scoring crucial goals. His elegance, power, and vision made him unstoppable. As the last winner before Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance, he holds a special place. Still, his peak was short-lived, limiting his all-time ranking.
28. Lev Yashin (1963)
The only goalkeeper to win the award, Yashin revolutionised the position. His reflexes, command, and leadership were unmatched. His Ballon d’Or was recognition of a career rather than a single season, but his uniqueness ensures a high spot.
27. Luka Modrić (2018)
Modrić broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, guiding Croatia to the World Cup final and Real Madrid to another Champions League. His elegance and control were supreme, though his stats were modest compared to others. A deserved but debated winner.
26. Denis Law (1964)
Law’s sharp finishing carried Manchester United, with 46 goals that year. His movement and instincts were deadly. While brilliant, he is sometimes overshadowed by Best and Charlton. Still, his Ballon d’Or year was prolific.
25. Ruud Gullit (1987)
Gullit’s charisma and versatility defined him. Winning with PSV before joining AC Milan, he was a leader and creative force. His ability to dominate midfield and attack made him a worthy winner, though not quite at the level of the very top.
24. Jean-Pierre Papin (1991)
Papin’s volleys and clinical finishing made him Europe’s top striker. With Marseille, he dominated domestically, though his European impact was smaller. A fine winner but lacking the global legacy of others.
23. Hristo Stoichkov (1994)
Stoichkov’s fiery brilliance carried Barcelona’s Dream Team and Bulgaria to a World Cup semi-final. His Golden Boot at the tournament highlighted his class. While iconic, his Ballon d’Or year wasn’t as dominant as others higher on this list.
22. Omar Sívori (1961)
The Juventus playmaker was a magician with the ball, dazzling Italy and Europe. His creativity and flair earned him the award. Less remembered today, but his influence was massive in his era.
21. Oleg Blokhin (1975)
Blokhin was lightning fast and lethal for Dynamo Kyiv, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup. His award symbolised Eastern European football at its peak. While regional in legacy, his Ballon d’Or year was exceptional.
20. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980 & 1981)
Rummenigge dominated with Bayern and West Germany, winning Euro 1980. A prolific scorer with skill and intelligence, his back-to-back wins cemented his place as one of Europe’s finest.
19. Florian Albert (1967)
Known as “The Emperor,” Albert was an elegant Hungarian playmaker. His vision and creativity made him stand out in Europe. His Ballon d’Or reflected artistry more than dominance, but he remains a celebrated figure.
18. Marco van Basten (1988, 1989, 1992)
Van Basten’s grace and ruthlessness made him one of the greatest strikers ever. His Euro 1988 volley remains iconic. With three Ballon d’Ors, he is a legend, though injuries shortened his career.
17. Ronaldinho (2005)
Ronaldinho lit up football with flair, tricks, and joy. In 2005, he inspired Barcelona to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Though his peak was brief, his magic made him unforgettable.
16. George Best (1968)
A rockstar footballer, Best dazzled Manchester United to European Cup glory. His dribbling and charisma captivated fans worldwide. His talent was immense, even if his career was troubled later.
15. Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985)
Platini won three consecutive Ballon d’Ors, dominating with Juventus and France. His goals at Euro 1984 remain legendary. Despite later controversies off the pitch, his footballing genius is undisputed.
14. Eusébio (1965)
The “Black Panther” was a force for Benfica and Portugal. Top scorer at the 1966 World Cup, his pace and power were unmatched. His Ballon d’Or confirmed him as one of the greats.
13. Lothar Matthäus (1990)
Captaining Germany to World Cup glory, Matthäus was a powerhouse midfielder. His tactical intelligence and versatility made him unique. His Ballon d’Or was fully deserved.
12. Zinedine Zidane (1998)
Zidane’s two goals in the World Cup final defined 1998. His elegance and vision made him a game-changer. Though he only won once, his influence on big matches was legendary.
11. Sir Bobby Charlton (1966)
Charlton’s leadership and long-range shooting inspired England’s only World Cup triumph. A Manchester United icon, his Ballon d’Or cemented his legendary status.
10. Gianni Rivera (1969)
The “Golden Boy” of AC Milan, Rivera orchestrated their European Cup victory. His vision and passing set him apart. His Ballon d’Or reflected a genius at work.
9. Raymond Kopa (1958)
A vital part of Real Madrid’s European dominance, Kopa’s dribbling and creativity shone. His legacy lives on with the “Kopa Trophy” for young players.
8. Luis Suárez Miramontes (1960)
Spain’s only male Ballon d’Or winner, Suárez was a playmaking genius for Barcelona and Inter. His intelligence and creativity were unmatched in his time.
7. Gerd Müller (1970)
“Der Bomber” scored relentlessly, with 10 World Cup goals in 1970 and countless for Bayern. His Ballon d’Or was inevitable given his lethal consistency.
6. Alfredo Di Stéfano (1957 & 1959)
The heartbeat of Real Madrid’s dominance, Di Stéfano was versatile, intelligent, and a leader. His two Ballon d’Ors reflect his immense influence on the game.
5. Franz Beckenbauer (1972 & 1976)
“The Kaiser” redefined defending with elegance and authority. Leading Germany and Bayern to glory, his Ballon d’Ors are richly deserved.
4. Johan Cruyff (1971, 1973, 1974)
Cruyff epitomised “Total Football,” inspiring Ajax and Barcelona. His three Ballon d’Ors and football philosophy make him one of the sport’s greatest revolutionaries.
3. Ronaldo Nazário (1997 & 2002)
Despite injuries, Ronaldo’s explosive pace and skill stunned the world. His 2002 World Cup, with eight goals, remains legendary. A true phenomenon.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
With five Ballon d’Ors, Ronaldo defined an era alongside Messi. His relentless goalscoring and clutch performances made him unstoppable. In another era, he’d be number one.
1. Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors make him the undisputed king. His dribbling, vision, and brilliance defined football for two decades. From Barcelona to Argentina, he delivered time and again. Simply the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time.
