The question of 'who has the most Ballon d'Or awards' has been a topic of much debate and admiration in the world of football. The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious and desirable awards in the career of every football player. Established in 1956 by France Football Magazine, this award is given annually to the best player in the world. Over the past 60 years, many great players have achieved this title, creating unforgettable milestones in the history of world football. In this article, Win Betting Tips will provide an overview of the players who have won the most Ballon d'Or awards and their special achievements in their careers.
Players with the most Ballon d'Or
The Ballon d'Or award is not only a recognition of talent and achievement but also an affirmation of a solid position in football history. Below is a list of the greatest players with the most Ballon d'Or wins in football history.
1. Lionel Messi: 8 Ballon d'Ors (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
Lionel Messi is currently the player with the most Ballon d'Or titles in history, with 8 wins. Messi's outstanding talent has captivated not only fans but also experts. He is the most influential player in the modern football generation, with excellent performances for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and the Argentina national team.
The journey to 8 Ballons d'Or
- 2009: Messi won his first Ballon d'Or after a stellar season with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, helping the team secure a historic treble.
- 2010: Despite Barcelona winning only La Liga, Messi still won the Ballon d'Or thanks to his impressive goalscoring ability and significant influence on the team.
- 2011: Messi continued to maintain his excellent form with another great season, helping Barcelona dominate European football and win more titles.
- 2012: Messi scored 91 goals in the calendar year, setting a new record for goals in a year, and won his 4th consecutive Ballon d'Or.
- 2015: After a period without a major title, Messi won his 5th Ballon d'Or after an impressive performance with Barcelona.
- 2019: Messi won his 6th Ballon d'Or thanks to an outstanding performance in La Liga, despite Barcelona not winning the Champions League.
- 2021: Messi won his 7th Ballon d'Or after helping Argentina win the Copa America, a milestone in his international career.
- 2023: Messi won his 8th Ballon d'Or, thanks to his excellent performance at PSG and his crucial contribution to Argentina's victory at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi is a player with exceptional ball control, finishing ability, and limitless creativity in his playing style. He is not only a formidable striker but also a superb creator, making him one of the most complete players in football history.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 Ballons d'Or (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's biggest rival throughout his career, also won 5 Ballon d'Or awards. Ronaldo had an outstanding career at major clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He is also the only player to win the Ballon d'Or in three consecutive decades.
The journey to 5 Ballons d'Or
- 2008: Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or after an excellent season with Manchester United, scoring 42 goals and helping the team win the Premier League and Champions League.
- 2013 and 2014: After moving to Real Madrid, Ronaldo won two consecutive Ballon d'Or titles, thanks to his impressive performance and excellent scoring ability.
- 2016: Ronaldo won his 4th Ballon d'Or after helping Portugal win Euro 2016 and Real Madrid win the Champions League.
- 2017: Ronaldo's fifth Ballon d'Or came after he continued to help Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga double.
Ronaldo has extraordinary physical strength, the ability to shoot from different angles, and a never-ending fighting spirit. He is a model of hard work and desire, which has helped him maintain high levels of performance over the years.
3. Michel Platini: 3 Ballons d'Or (1983, 1984, 1985)
Michel Platini is one of the greatest icons of French football, leaving a deep mark on the history of the beautiful game with his natural skills and timeless influence. Born in Jœuf, France, Platini quickly stood out for his exquisite passing ability and superb free-kick technique, turning set pieces into dangerous scoring opportunities. During his illustrious career, Platini won 3 consecutive Ballon d'Or titles in 1983, 1984, and 1985, during his peak period with Juventus. Not only did he help the 'Old Lady' win many titles, including the Serie A championship and the European Cup, but he was also recognized as one of the best players of the 1980s.
At the national team level, Platini was the heart and soul of the French team during its golden era, leading the team to victory at EURO 1984 on home soil. In the tournament, he scored 9 goals in 5 matches, an impressive record that few others could match, especially in the role of a midfielder. Platini was not only excellent on the field but also instrumental in shaping the modern style of football, emphasizing creativity and tactics. His influence continued even after his retirement, as a respected international football manager.
4. Johan Cruyff: 3 Ballons d'Or (1971, 1973, 1974)
Johan Cruyff is an irreplaceable legend in both Dutch and world football history, renowned for his exceptional talent and revolutionary tactical vision. During his illustrious playing career, Cruyff won three Ballon d'Or awards in 1971, 1973, and 1974, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players of all time. He was at the heart of the Total Football style of play, where players could interchange positions fluidly, breaking the confines of traditional tactics. Not only was he a creative and skillful player, but Cruyff also laid the foundations for modern football philosophy, later recognized through the famous "Tiki-Taka" style.
Cruyff's influence extended far beyond the pitch, and he also made a huge impact as a coach. With Ajax and Barcelona, he redefined attacking football, transforming both clubs into icons of creativity and beauty. At Barcelona, Cruyff built the first "Dream Team", ushering in a period of enduring success and leaving a legacy of football philosophy for generations to come. A revolutionary in tactics, Johan Cruyff not only changed the way football was played but also enriched the spirit and philosophy of the game.
5. Marco van Basten: 3 Ballon d'Ors (1988, 1989, 1992)
Marco van Basten is one of the most accomplished strikers in the history of Dutch and world football, known for his sharp finishing, outstanding aerial ability, and exquisite individual technique. Born in Utrecht, Van Basten began his career at Ajax, where he quickly demonstrated his natural talent and fearsome goal-scoring ability. His brilliant success at Ajax paved the way for him to move to AC Milan, where his career reached its peak. With three Ballon d'Or titles in 1988, 1989, and 1992, Van Basten not only established himself as one of the most complete strikers in the world but also became an icon of European football in the 1980s and early 1990s.
At AC Milan, Van Basten was a key figure during the club's successful era, helping the club secure three Serie A titles and two European Cups. On the international stage, Van Basten made a lasting impression by leading the Netherlands to victory at EURO 1988, a tournament in which he etched his name into history with a stunning volley against the Soviet Union in the final—a goal considered one of the greatest of all time. Although Van Basten's career was cut short by persistent injuries, his achievements on the pitch remain a lasting source of inspiration, solidifying his status as a football legend.
6. Franz Beckenbauer: 2 Ballon d'Ors (1972, 1976)
Franz Beckenbauer, dubbed the "Emperor" of German football, is one of the greatest defenders in the history of the sport. With his elegant playing style, ability to control the game from the back, and excellent tactical mind, Beckenbauer not only redefined the role of a defender but also became a symbol of modern football. He won two Ballon d'Ors in 1972 and 1976, an impressive achievement for a player in the defensive position. At Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer led the team to numerous major titles, including four Bundesliga championships and three consecutive European Cups, creating an era of dominance for the Bavarian team.
On the international stage, Beckenbauer was the soul of the German team. He played a key role in West Germany winning the 1972 EURO and especially the 1974 World Cup, where he was irreplaceable as a leader. With an influence far beyond the pitch, Beckenbauer was not only excellent as a player but also successful as a coach, leading West Germany to the 1990 World Cup. His tactical vision and legacy helped shape the German football style, affirming his position as an immortal legend in world football.
7. Ronaldo Nazário: 2 Ballons d'Or (1997, 2002)
Ronaldo Nazário, also known as "Fat Ronaldo," is one of the best strikers in the history of Brazilian and world football. Standing out with his skillful technique, explosive speed, and excellent finishing ability, Ronaldo became a nightmare for every defense. During his illustrious career, he won 2 Ballon d'Or titles in 1997 and 2002, affirming his position as a football legend. At the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo shone brightly with 8 goals, including a double in the final match against Germany, helping Brazil win the world championship for the 5th time.
Although Ronaldo's career was hampered by injuries, particularly during his time at Inter Milan, he made a strong comeback, continuing to prove his talent at Real Madrid. As part of the Galácticos, Ronaldo scored numerous important goals and became a symbol of excellence. With 62 goals in 98 appearances for the Brazilian national team, he is not only a legend of the Seleção but also an endless source of inspiration for future generations of players. Ronaldo left behind a legacy of not just titles and goals but also a fighting spirit that overcame adversity, leaving an indelible mark on the history of world football.
Conclusion
So now you know Who has the most Ballon D'or awards, right? The Ballon d'Or is an important award, not only recognizing talent but also reflecting the contributions of players to world football. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two biggest names in the history of this award, but many other legends have also left a lasting mark, such as Platini, Cruyff, Van Basten, and Beckenbauer. These players are not only the pride of their countries but also symbols of greatness in football history.
