by The ballon d’or winners list represents the most prestigious collection of football talent in history.
This golden ball award has been given to the world’s best football player every year since 1956.
The ballon d’or winners list includes legendary names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and most recently, Manchester City’s Rodri who won in 2024.
Understanding the ballon d’or winners list helps us see how football has evolved over the decades.
From Stanley Matthews being the first winner in 1956 to Rodri’s historic victory in 2024, this ballon d’or winners list tells the story of football’s greatest moments.
The award has grown from a European-only prize to a global competition that every professional footballer dreams of winning.
Today’s ballon d’or winners list shows how the game has become more competitive, with players from different continents making their mark.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a football expert, studying the ballon d’or winners list gives you insight into what makes a player truly exceptional.
Ballon d’Or Winners List
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything about the ballon d’or winners list and help you understand why this award matters so much in the football world.
List of Men’s Ballon d’Or Award Winners
Here is the complete ballon d’or winners list from 1956 to 2024:
| Year | Player | Nationality | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | To be decided | TBD | TBD |
| 2024 | Rodri | Spain | Manchester City |
| 2023 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Inter Miami |
| 2022 | Karim Benzema | France | Real Madrid |
| 2021 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2020 | Not awarded | COVID-19 | N/A |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2018 | Luka Modric | Croatia | Real Madrid |
| 2017 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2010 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2009 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Manchester United |
| 2007 | Kaká | Brazil | Milan |
| 2006 | Fabio Cannavaro | Italy | Real Madrid |
| 2005 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 2004 | Andriy Shevchenko | Ukraine | Milan |
| 2003 | Pavel Nedvčd | Czechia | Juventus |
| 2002 | Ronaldo | Brazil | Real Madrid |
| 2001 | Michael Owen | England | Liverpool |
| 2000 | Luís Figo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 1999 | Rivaldo | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 1998 | Zinedine Zidane | France | Juventus |
| 1997 | Ronaldo | Brazil | Internazionale |
| 1996 | Matthias Sammer | Germany | Borussia Dortmund |
| 1995 | George Weah | Liberia | Milan |
| 1994 | Hristo Stoichkov | Bulgaria | Barcelona |
| 1993 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | Juventus |
| 1992 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | Milan |
| 1991 | Jean-Pierre Papin | France | Marseille |
| 1990 | Lothar Matthäus | Germany | Internazionale |
| 1989 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | Milan |
| 1988 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | Milan |
| 1987 | Ruud Gullit | Netherlands | Milan |
| 1986 | Igor Belanov | Soviet Union | Dynamo Kyiv |
| 1985 | Michel Platini | France | Juventus |
| 1984 | Michel Platini | France | Juventus |
| 1983 | Michel Platini | France | Juventus |
| 1982 | Paolo Rossi | Italy | Juventus |
| 1981 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | West Germany | Bayern Munich |
| 1980 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | West Germany | Bayern Munich |
| 1979 | Kevin Keegan | England | Hamburg |
| 1978 | Kevin Keegan | England | Hamburg |
| 1977 | Allan Simonsen | Denmark | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| 1976 | Franz Beckenbauer | West Germany | Bayern Munich |
| 1975 | Oleg Blokhin | Soviet Union | Dynamo Kyiv |
| 1974 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | Barcelona |
| 1973 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | Barcelona |
| 1972 | Franz Beckenbauer | West Germany | Bayern Munich |
| 1971 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | Ajax |
| 1970 | Gerd Müller | West Germany | Bayern Munich |
| 1969 | Gianni Rivera | Italy | Milan |
| 1968 | George Best | Northern Ireland | Manchester United |
| 1967 | Flórián Albert | Hungary | Ferencvárosi TC |
| 1966 | Bobby Charlton | England | Manchester United |
| 1965 | Eusébio | Portugal | Benfica |
| 1964 | Denis Law | Scotland | Manchester United |
| 1963 | Lev Yashin | Soviet Union | Dynamo Moscow |
| 1962 | Josef Masopust | Czechoslovakia | Dukla Prague |
| 1961 | Omar Sívori | Italy | Juventus |
| 1960 | Luis Suárez | Spain | Barcelona |
| 1959 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | Argentina/Spain | Real Madrid |
| 1958 | Raymond Kopa | France | Real Madrid |
| 1957 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | Argentina/Spain | Real Madrid |
| 1956 | Stanley Matthews | England | Blackpool |
What is Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is the most important football award in the world. The name means “Golden Ball” in French, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – a beautiful golden football trophy given to the best player each year.
Here’s what makes the Ballon d’Or special:
- Started in 1956 by the French magazine France Football
- Given annually to the world’s best football player
- Voted by journalists from around the world
- Covers one full season from August to July
- Most prestigious individual award in football
How the Ballon d’Or Works
The Ballon d’Or voting process is quite interesting and fair:
- 100 journalists from FIFA’s top-ranked countries vote
- Each journalist picks their top 5 players
- Points are given: 6 points for 1st place, 4 points for 2nd, 3 points for 3rd, 2 points for 4th, and 1 point for 5th
- The player with the most total points wins
- If there’s a tie, the player with more first-place votes wins
What Makes a Ballon d’Or Winner?
The voting criteria for Ballon d’Or includes:
- Individual performance – Goals, assists, and overall impact
- Team success – Winning trophies with club and country
- Fair play – Good behavior on and off the field
- Leadership – Being a role model for other players
- Class and sportsmanship – Respecting opponents and the game
Evolution of the Award
The Ballon d’Or has changed over the years:
- 1956-1994: Only European players could win
- 1995: Expanded to include all players at European clubs
- 2007: Became a global award for all professional players
- 2010-2015: Merged with FIFA to create “FIFA Ballon d’Or”
- 2016-present: Back to original format by France Football
- 2018: Added women’s Ballon d’Or (Ballon d’Or Féminin)
Who Can Win Ballon d’Or Award?
Anyone can win the Ballon d’Or, but there are some basic requirements and typical characteristics of winners.
Basic Requirements
To be eligible for Ballon d’Or, a player must:
- Be a professional football player
- Play for a recognized football club
- Be active during the season being judged
- Meet minimum playing time requirements
- Have no serious disciplinary issues
Typical Winner Profile
Most Ballon d’Or winners share these common traits:
Performance Level:
- Score important goals or provide key assists
- Have excellent statistics throughout the season
- Perform well in big matches and tournaments
- Show consistency over the entire season
Team Success:
- Win major trophies with their club
- Help their national team succeed
- Lead their team in important competitions
- Make a significant difference in team performance
Personal Qualities:
- Show leadership on and off the field
- Maintain good behavior and sportsmanship
- Be a role model for younger players
- Have respect from teammates and opponents
Position and Playing Style
Historically, certain positions have had better chances:
- Forwards and wingers win most often (they score goals)
- Attacking midfielders have good chances
- Defensive midfielders rarely win (like Rodri in 2024)
- Defenders win very rarely
- Goalkeepers almost never win (only Lev Yashin in 1963)
Age and Experience
Most winners are:
- Between 22-32 years old
- At the peak of their career
- Have several years of top-level experience
- Playing for top European clubs
International Success
International tournaments greatly help:
- World Cup winners often get Ballon d’Or
- European Championship and Copa America success matters
- Strong national team performances boost chances
- Tournament MVP awards are very valuable
Club Success
Club achievements that help win Ballon d’Or:
- Champions League victories
- Domestic league titles
- Cup competitions wins
- Individual records and milestones
FAQs on Ballon d’Or Winners:
- Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record with 8 Ballon d’Or wins (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 5 wins (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017).
- Why wasn’t the Ballon d’Or awarded in 2020?
The 2020 Ballon d’Or was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizers felt it wouldn’t be fair to judge players because many leagues were stopped or had different schedules.
- Can women win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes! Since 2018, there’s a separate Ballon d’Or Féminin for women. Aitana Bonmatí from Barcelona won it in 2023 and 2024.
- Who was the youngest Ballon d’Or winner?
Ronaldo (the Brazilian) was the youngest winner at 21 years and 96 days when he won in 1997.
- Who was the oldest Ballon d’Or winner?
Fabio Cannavaro was the oldest winner at 33 years when he won in 2006 after leading Italy to World Cup victory.
- Has any goalkeeper ever won the Ballon d’Or?
Yes, Lev Yashin from the Soviet Union won it in 1963. He remains the only goalkeeper to ever win the award.
- Which country has produced the most Ballon d’Or winners?
Argentina leads with 9 winners (mostly thanks to Messi), followed by Brazil with 8 winners, and Portugal with 7 winners (mostly thanks to Ronaldo).
- What’s the difference between Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best?
The Ballon d’Or is voted only by journalists, while FIFA’s The Best includes votes from coaches, captains, and fans. They’re completely separate awards now.
- How much money does the Ballon d’Or winner get?
The Ballon d’Or winner doesn’t receive direct prize money, but winning usually leads to huge sponsorship deals and salary increases worth millions.
- Can a player win Ballon d’Or multiple times in a row?
Yes! Michel Platini won 3 in a row (1983-1985), and Lionel Messi won 4 in a row (2009-2012).
- Why did Rodri win in 2024 instead of Vinicius Jr.?
Rodri won because he had an amazing season with Manchester City (winning the Premier League) and Spain (winning Euro 2024). Even though Vinicius Jr. scored more goals, Rodri’s overall impact and team success impressed the voters more.
- Is the Ballon d’Or voting fair?
The voting is generally considered fair because it involves 100 expert journalists from different countries. However, some people think it favors attacking players over defenders and midfielders.
- When is the Ballon d’Or ceremony held?
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is usually held in October or November each year in Paris, France.
- Can retired players win the Ballon d’Or?
No, only active professional players who played during the season being judged can win the award.
- What happens if two players tie in votes?
If players tie in total points, the winner is decided by who has more first-place votes. If still tied, it goes to second-place votes, and so on.
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Conclusion:
The Ballon d’Or represents the highest individual honor in football, and understanding the ballon d’or winners list gives us incredible insight into the sport’s greatest players.
From Stanley Matthews in 1956 to Rodri in 2024, each winner has earned their place through exceptional skill, team success, and exemplary character.
The ballon d’or winners list shows us how football has evolved over nearly 70 years. We’ve seen the award grow from a European-only prize to a truly global recognition that celebrates talent from every continent.
Legendary players like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo have defined different eras of the game.
Rodri’s victory in 2024 proves that the Ballon d’Or isn’t just about goals and flashy plays – it’s about complete football excellence.
His win as a defensive midfielder shows that every position can be appreciated when a player truly dominates their role and helps their team succeed.
For young players dreaming of Ballon d’Or glory, the message is clear: work hard, be consistent, help your team win, and always behave with class.
The ballon d’or winners list will continue to grow, and the next legend could be anyone with the dedication and talent to reach the top.
Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or just learning about the sport, the Ballon d’Or and its winners list represent the very best of football.
It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the beautiful game that brings the whole world together.
