Frank Christian
The Ballon d’Or award is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual accolade in football, symbolizing the title of the best player in the world.
Achieving a Ballon d’Or trophy is seen as the pinnacle of individual success for any footballer throughout their career.
Claiming multiple editions of the iconic Golden Ball is a remarkable feat accomplished by only a select few players, making them legends in the sport.
Reflecting on past honorees, it is evident that the standards for winning the Ballon d’Or are exceptionally high, placing players in an exclusive and esteemed club.
Players with Most Ballon d’Or Wins
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, having won it eight times, followed by his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo with five Ballons d’Or.
Only 10 players have won multiple Ballon d’Or awards, while there have been 34 individual winners throughout the award’s history.
| Rank | Player | Ballon d’Or Wins | Years won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lionel Messi | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| 2. | Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
Men’s Ballon d’Or Winners
Since the inception of the Ballon d’Or in 1956, notable players like Stanley Matthews, Johan Cruyff, and Michel Platini have been recognized for their exceptional talents.
In recent years, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award, with Messi securing his seventh trophy in 2021 and Ronaldo being a consistent contender.
There have been a few instances where other players like Luka Modric and Karim Benzema have broken the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.
The women’s Ballon d’Or was established in 2018 but was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or, translating to “Golden Ball” in French, is recognized as the most esteemed individual award in global football, honoring the best men’s and women’s players for their performances in a season.
Originally initiated by France Football in 1956, the award is now managed by UEFA, celebrating outstanding player achievements and contributions to the sport.
While traditionally based on a calendar year, the award criteria have transitioned to align with the European club season calendar to better reflect players’ performances.
Factors such as international competitions and league successes are considered in determining the winner, showcasing the player’s overall impact on the sport.
