The Ultimate Footballing Trinity: 10 Players Who’ve Won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League & World Cup
Winning even one of football's most prestigious titles is an incredible achievement. But only ten players in history have conquered the sport's holy trinity: the Ballon d’Or, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA World Cup. Here's a look at the legends who pulled off this rare and remarkable feat.
Bobby Charlton – England’s Trailblazing Icon
Charlton made history in 1966 by winning the World Cup and Ballon d’Or after a heroic performance for England. Two years later, he scored twice in the European Cup final, becoming the first footballer ever to win all three major honors.
Gerd Muller – The Ultimate Finisher
Muller was unstoppable in 1970, scoring 10 World Cup goals and winning the Ballon d'Or. He added the World Cup in 1974 and led Bayern to a hat-trick of European Cups from 1974 to 1976, cementing his place as one of the game’s great strikers.
Franz Beckenbauer – The Defensive Dynamo
The elegant German sweeper remains the only defender to win multiple Ballon d’Ors, triumphing in 1972 and 1976. Between those accolades, he captained West Germany to the 1974 World Cup and helped Bayern Munich dominate Europe with three straight titles.
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Paolo Rossi – Italy’s 1982 Hero
Rossi lit up the 1982 World Cup with six goals, including a famous hat-trick against Brazil, and took home both the Golden Boot and Ballon d'Or that year. He completed the treble in 1985 by winning the European Cup with Juventus.
Zinedine Zidane – The Artist of the Beautiful Game
Zidane’s two goals in the 1998 World Cup final helped France clinch their first world title, and he was rewarded with the Ballon d'Or later that year. His stunning left-footed volley in the 2002 Champions League final sealed Real Madrid’s ninth European crown and his own legendary status.
Rivaldo – Brazil’s Forgotten Genius
Often overlooked among Brazil's galaxy of stars, Rivaldo was pivotal in their 2002 World Cup run, scoring five goals. He claimed the Ballon d'Or in 1999 and added a Champions League title with AC Milan in 2003, becoming a member of this exclusive club.
Ronaldinho – The Magician Who Lit Up the Game
With his dazzling flair and infectious smile, Ronaldinho captured hearts and trophies alike. He lifted the World Cup in 2002, won the Ballon d'Or in 2005 after a stunning season with Barcelona, and capped it off with Champions League glory in 2006.
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Kaka – Milan Maestro and Brazil’s Golden Boy
Kaka burst into global superstardom with his Champions League heroics for AC Milan in 2007, a year in which he also claimed the Ballon d'Or. Though a fringe player in Brazil's 2002 World Cup squad, he still earned the ultimate international honor, completing the legendary trio of titles.
Lionel Messi – The Greatest Completes the Set
Messi added the missing piece to his glittering career in 2022 by lifting the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. With four Champions League trophies and a record eight Ballon d'Ors to his name, his status as the sport’s GOAT is firmly cemented.
Ousmane Dembele – From Flop to Phenomenon
Dembele stunned the football world in 2025 by winning the Ballon d’Or, completing the elite triple crown. After years of criticism at Barcelona, he found redemption at PSG, stepping up as their talisman following Mbappe’s exit and leading the club to its first-ever Champions League title.
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