Paolo Maldini, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Greatest Players Never to Win the Ballon d’Or – Ranked

May 13, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football. It’s the ultimate recognition of excellence, awarded to the player deemed to have had the best year on the planet. Since its inception, countless world-class talents have lifted the trophy—but many all-time greats have never had that honor.

Whether due to fierce competition, untimely injuries, or simply being overshadowed by the Messi-Ronaldo era, some legendary players were never crowned with the golden ball. Here, we rank the 15 greatest footballers to have never won the Ballon d’Or.

15. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan was one of the most dominant forwards of his generation, known for his incredible goals, flair, and longevity. Despite his brilliance across Europe’s top leagues, the Swedish icon never reached a Champions League final—a factor that likely held him back in Ballon d’Or voting.

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14. Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk redefined what a modern center-back could be, playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s domestic and European success. In 2019, he came within seven points of beating Lionel Messi to the Ballon d’Or, an extraordinary achievement for a defender.

13. Steven Gerrard

A talismanic leader and driving force behind Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League miracle, Gerrard was the heart of his team. He finished third in 2005 but may have gone higher had he played for a more dominant domestic side.

12. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski’s Ballon d’Or dream was crushed when the 2020 ceremony was canceled despite a historic season. He scored 69 goals in 2021 but still lost out to Messi—leaving one of football’s most prolific scorers without the prize.

11. Arjen Robben

Robben’s pace, dribbling, and clutch goals made him one of the most feared wingers in the world. He never finished higher than fourth in the Ballon d’Or, even after scoring the winner in the 2013 Champions League final.

10. Franck Ribéry

Ribéry was instrumental in Bayern’s treble-winning 2013 season but finished only third in the Ballon d’Or voting. He later claimed he was robbed due to football politics—his peak form certainly merited more recognition.

9. Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo’s elegance and vision were unmatched, but he never cracked the Ballon d’Or top three. His best finish was fifth in 2007, and while he wasn’t a stats-driven player, his impact on the pitch was undeniable.

8. Gianluigi Buffon

Photo: Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

Buffon came closest of all goalkeepers to winning the Ballon d’Or in the modern era, finishing second in 2006. A true legend between the posts, he helped redefine longevity and excellence in the goalkeeping role.

7. Neymar

Once tipped to be Messi and Ronaldo’s successor, Neymar never reached the top spot. Injuries, inconsistency, and being in Messi’s shadow at Barcelona all played a role in his missed opportunity for Ballon d’Or glory.

6. Dennis Bergkamp

The Dutch master had magical moments for Arsenal and Ajax but never won the Ballon d’Or. His best finishes came before 1995, but even afterward, he remained a creative genius worthy of the game’s top honors.

5. Luis Suárez

In 2013–14, Suárez was unplayable in the Premier League and later thrived at Barcelona. Despite winning the Golden Shoe and being one of the game’s best finishers, he never got the recognition Ballon d’Or voters could’ve given him.

4. Xavi

Pep Guardiola with Xavi and club president Laporta — Maxisport / Shutterstock.com

The conductor of Barcelona’s tiki-taka orchestra, Xavi was the essence of midfield mastery. He finished third multiple times, but his selfless style and Messi’s dominance kept him from claiming football’s top individual prize.

3. Paolo Maldini

Maldini was the definition of class and consistency, playing 25 seasons at the highest level with AC Milan. Despite five Champions League titles, the iconic defender only managed third place in Ballon d’Or voting—twice.

2. Thierry Henry

Henry was the best player in Europe during the 2003 voting period but lost to Pavel Nedved. With a World Cup, Euros, and Premier League legacy, it’s still baffling that the Frenchman never took home the Ballon d’Or.

1. Andrés Iniesta

Iniesta scored the winning goal in a World Cup final and was a magician for both Barcelona and Spain. His 2010 campaign should’ve sealed the award, but Messi won again—cementing Iniesta as the greatest player never to lift the Ballon d’Or.