The 9 Footballers Who Completed Football’s Ultimate Treble
Winning either the Ballon d'Or, the Champions League, or the World Cup is a dream for any footballer. But only nine players in the sport’s long and decorated history have managed to lift all three. This rare achievement signifies excellence on both the individual and collective levels—and in this article, we count them down in reverse, starting with the most recent addition: Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi fulfilled his ultimate football destiny in Qatar by leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. Already a four-time Champions League winner with Barcelona and record eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Messi became the ninth and most recent member of this exclusive club.
Kaká
Kaká had a minor role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win but matured into a world-class playmaker by 2007. That year, he led AC Milan to Champions League glory and was rewarded with the Ballon d'Or, breaking through before the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly.
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho helped Brazil win the World Cup in 2002, showcasing his flair on the biggest stage. He followed that with a Ballon d’Or in 2005 and lifted the Champions League with Barcelona the following year, playing a decisive creative role.
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Rivaldo
Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 after a stunning season with Barcelona, scoring 37 goals in all competitions. He starred for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup and completed the treble in 2003 by winning the Champions League with AC Milan.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane was instrumental in France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final. He won the Ballon d’Or later that year and capped off his treble with a legendary volley in the 2002 Champions League final for Real Madrid.
Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi was the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup campaign, winning both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. He claimed the Ballon d’Or that same year and added a European Cup title with Juventus in 1985 to complete his list.
Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer captained West Germany to a home-soil World Cup title in 1974 and won Ballon d’Or honors in 1972 and 1976. He was also a pillar of Bayern Munich’s three consecutive European Cup victories from 1974 to 1976.
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Gerd Müller
Gerd Müller earned the Ballon d’Or in 1970 after scoring 10 goals at that year’s World Cup. He later netted the winner in the 1974 final and helped Bayern Munich dominate Europe with three straight Champions League wins.
Bobby Charlton
Bobby Charlton became the first footballer to achieve this rare treble, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1966 after leading England to World Cup success. Two years later, he scored twice in the final as Manchester United captured their first European Cup.
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