The 10 Biggest Favorites to Win the Super Ballon d’Or – Complete List
The Ballon d’Or is already considered football’s most prestigious individual honor, but there is one award even rarer: the Super Ballon d’Or. It has only been presented once, in 1989, when Alfredo Di Stéfano was crowned the best player of the previous 30 years. With the 40th anniversary approaching in 2029, speculation is growing about who could become the second recipient of this once-in-a-lifetime prize. Here are the ten players most likely to win it.
10. Xavi
Xavi was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s golden era and Spain’s dominance in international football. His passing precision and tactical intelligence made him one of the greatest midfield orchestrators in history. With eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and a World Cup, he is a true symbol of consistency and excellence.
9. Luka Modrić
Modrić is widely considered the greatest Croatian player ever, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018. His creativity, vision, and relentless energy carried Real Madrid to six Champions League titles and Croatia to a World Cup final. His longevity makes him a strong contender for this honor.
8. Gianluigi Buffon
Few goalkeepers have reached the legendary status of Gianluigi Buffon. The Italian icon spent three decades at the top, winning ten Serie A titles and lifting the 2006 World Cup. Although the Champions League eluded him, his record-breaking career and unmatched consistency secure his place among the greats.
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7. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta is remembered not just for his brilliance at Barcelona but also for scoring Spain’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. Known for his elegance on the ball and game-changing presence, he collected nine La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and two European Championships. His influence went far beyond statistics.
6. Paolo Maldini
A symbol of loyalty and defensive perfection, Paolo Maldini spent his entire career with AC Milan. He won seven Serie A titles and an incredible five Champions Leagues across three decades. Maldini’s composure, leadership, and longevity made him arguably the greatest defender in football history.
5. Ronaldinho
At his peak, Ronaldinho was pure magic, turning football into art with his flair and creativity. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, a Champions League, and the 2002 World Cup, enchanting fans worldwide with his samba style. Although his career peak was brief, his legacy as a magician of the game is undeniable.
4. Ronaldo Nazário
“R9” redefined what it meant to be a striker with his combination of power, speed, and skill. Twice a Ballon d’Or winner, he was Brazil’s hero in the 2002 World Cup and scored over 370 goals in his career. Despite injuries cutting his career short, his brilliance at his peak remains unforgettable.
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3. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane blended strength and elegance like no other, dazzling fans with his vision, control, and composure in big moments. He won the 1998 Ballon d’Or after leading France to a historic World Cup victory and added a Champions League with Real Madrid. His unforgettable performances place him firmly among football’s immortals.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most prolific goalscorer in history, with nearly 1,000 career goals and countless records. He conquered England, Spain, and Italy, winning five Champions League titles and guiding Portugal to its first-ever European Championship. His unmatched drive and success make him one of the strongest candidates for this once-in-a-lifetime prize.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi stands alone at the top with eight Ballon d’Or awards, a World Cup, four Champions League titles, and more than 40 major trophies. His extraordinary dribbling, vision, and ability to decide matches single-handedly make him the ultimate favorite. Should the Super Ballon d’Or return, Messi would be the most fitting winner of all.
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