Quick Summary
Table of Contents
The Ballon d’Or stands as football’s most prestigious individual honor, an emblem of greatness that transcends eras. Established in 1956 by France Football, it has crowned legends like Messi (8-time winner-the record holder), Ronaldo (5-time winner, most nominations with 18), Cruyff, and Beckenbauer. More than just a trophy, the Ballon d’Or is a celebration of skill, consistency, and flair, recognized and debated by fans, pundits, and players alike. As modern football enters a new chapter, the award continues to symbolize excellence, sparking anticipation and conversation with every shortlist and ceremony. The women’s Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg as its first recipient.
The Ballon d’Or has evolved over the years, briefly merging with FIFA’s Best Player award (2010-2015) as the FIFA Ballon d’Or before becoming a separate honour again. It serves as a historical marker, celebrating football’s greatest talents across different eras. The first winner was England’s Stanley Matthews, and most recently, Spain’s Rodri in men and Aitana Bonmatí in women are 2024 Ballon d’Or winners, claimed the award. This “Golden Ball” continues to be the ultimate individual accolade in football, allowing fans to compare and appreciate the sport’s finest players across generations.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, recognizing the best player each year. It has a long and rich history, evolving to include players from around the world.
The list of Ballon d’Or winners reflects football’s greatest talents, showcasing legends who have shaped the game.
The Ballon d’Or winners are chosen through a structured voting system. A jury of 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s top 100-ranked nations, participates in the selection.
This ensures that the Ballon d Or reflects true footballing excellence based on performance in the previous season.
The first-ever Ballon d’Or was awarded in 1956 to Stanley Matthews, a legendary footballer known for his exceptional dribbling, close control, and game intelligence.
Matthews’s influence on the game remains legendary, inspiring generations of footballers.
In 2018, Ada Hegerberg from Norway became the first-ever winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin, making history in women’s football. At just 23 years old, she was a standout performer for Olympique Lyonnais.
Her incredible goal-scoring ability and achievements cemented her place in football history.
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards in history, with eight titles, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo by three making him the only person when asked “Which player has won the most ballon d’or awards.
Now playing for Inter Miami, Messi remains one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent, dedication, and work ethic have made him one of football’s greatest players. He won his first Ballon d Or in 2008 and has remained at the top ever since.
Lionel Messi made history by winning his eighth Ballon d’Or, further cementing his football legacy. His outstanding performances during the 2022/23 season with PSG earned him this honour. He also became the first player to win the Ballon d Or while playing for an MLS team (Inter Miami).
| Rank | Player | Country | Number of Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| 3 | Michel Platini | France | 3 | 1983, 1984, 1985 |
| 4 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands | 3 | 1971, 1973, 1974 |
| 5 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | 3 | 1988, 1989, 1992 |
| 6 | Franz Beckenbauer | Germany | 2 | 1972, 1976 |
| 7 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 2 | 1997, 2002 |
| 8 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | Argentina/Spain | 2 | 1957, 1959 |
| 9 | Kevin Keegan | England | 2 | 1978, 1979 |
| 10 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | Germany | 2 | 1980, 1981 |
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, recognizes the best football player of the year. Since its inception in 1956, legendary players have received this prestigious honor, including Lionel Messi, who holds the record with eight wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner with the most nominations. The award was briefly merged with FIFA’s Best Player award (2010-2015) but remains independent today. Below is a table showcasing the winners over the years, highlighting football’s greatest talents.
| Year | Player | Nationality | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner | 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 | – | – |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2018 | Luka Modrić | 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 Nedvěd | 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 |
This list showcases football’s greatest players across different eras, making the Ballon d’Or an accurate marker of excellence in the sport.
The Ballon d’Or Féminin is the most prestigious individual award in women’s football, introduced in 2018 by France Football. Below is the list of Ballon d’Or Féminin winners since its inception.
| Year | Winner | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Ballon d’Or 2024 Winner | Aitana Bonmatí | Spain |
| 2023 | Aitana Bonmatí | Spain |
| 2022 | Alexia Putellas | Spain |
| 2021 | Alexia Putellas | Spain |
| 2019 | Megan Rapinoe | USA |
| 2018 | Ada Hegerberg | Norway |
The Ballon d’Or Féminin recognizes the best female footballer each year, celebrating outstanding performances in club and international competitions.
In August 2025, France Football unveiled the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, reflecting the standout performers of the 2024–25 football season. Notable names include:
Current power rankings (indicative of expectations based on form and sentiment):
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lamine Yamal |
| 2 | Vitinha |
| 3 | Cole Palmer |
| 4 | Ousmane Dembélé |
| 5 | Raphinha |
These rankings come from TNT Sports and Planet Football, influenced by recent performances and media narratives.
French football legend Emmanuel Petit has publicly endorsed Ousmane Dembélé as his top pick, praising PSG’s treble-winning campaign and Dembélé’s role in PSG’s transformation under coach Luis Enrique.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for September 22, 2025, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, featuring awards across men’s and women’s categories, including Player of the Year, Young Player (Kopa Trophy), Goalkeeper (Yashin Trophy), Coach, and Club of the Year.
They changed the voting rules for the Ballon d’Or winners in 2022. They will grant the award based on season performance rather than calendar year results for the second time. The season ran from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, and they revealed the award candidates on September 6, 2023.
They show the complete list of players nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or Winners below.
| Player Nominated | Club/Country |
| André Onana | Inter-Manchester United/Cameroon |
| Josko Gvardiol | RB Lipsia-Manchester City/Croatia |
| Karim Benzema | Real-Madrid-I Ittihad |
| Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich/Germany |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool/Egypt |
| Jude Bellingham | Broussia Dortmund-Real Madrid/England |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal/England |
| Randal Kolo Muani | Eintracht Frankfurt-Paris Saint-Germain/France |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City/Belgium |
| Bernardo Silva | Manchester City/Portugal |
| Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa/Argentina |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Napoli/Georgia |
| Rúben Dias | Manchester City/Portugal |
| Nicolo Barella | Inter Milan/Italy |
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City/Norway |
| Yassine Bounou | Sevilla-Al Hilal/Morocco |
| Martin Ødegaard | Arsenal/Norway |
| Julián Álvarez | Manchester City/Argentina |
| Ilkay Gündogan | Barcelona/Germany |
| Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid/Brazil |
| Lionel Messi | Paris Saint-Germain-Inter Miami/Argentina |
| Rodri | Manchester City/Spain |
| Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan/Argentina |
| Antoine Griezmann | Atletico Madrid/France |
| Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona/Poland |
| Kylian Mbappé | Paris Saint-Germain/France |
| Kim Min-jae | Napoli-Bayern Munich/South Korea |
| Victor Osimhen | Napoli/Nigeria |
| Luka Modric | Real Madrid/Croatia |
| Harry Kane | Tottenham-Bayern Munich/England |
The current Ballon d’Or winner or Ballon d’Or Féminin winner for 2024 is Aitana Bonmatí from Spain, Barcelona, making her the latest addition to the prestigious list of Ballon d’Or winners. With 30 nominees for Women’s Ballon d’Or or Ballon d’Or Féminin 2024 locked in, the world gears up to receive its fifth female best football player. It is essential to mention here that when the Ballon d’Or for men started in 1956, the tradition of Ballon d’Or Féminin began in 2018.
| Players | Club/ Country |
| Aitana Bonmati | Barcelona/Spain |
| Millie Bright | Chelsea/England |
| Linda Caicedo | Real Madrid/Colombia |
| Olga Carmona | Real Madrid/Spain |
| Rachel Daly | Aston Villa/England |
| Debinha | North Carolina-Kansas City/Brazil |
| Kadidiatou Diani | Paris Saint-Germain-Lyon/France |
| Mary Earps | Manchester United/England |
| Patricia Guijarro | Barcelona/Spain |
| Yui Hasegawa | Manchester City/Japan |
| Amanda Ilestedt | Paris-Saint Germain-Arsenal/Sweden |
| Sam Kerr | Chelsea/Australia |
| Mapi Leon | Barcelona/Spain |
| Katie McCabe | Arsenal/Republic of Ireland |
| Hinata Miyazawa | MyNavi Senday-Manchester United/Japan |
| Lena Oberdorf | Wolfsburg/Germany |
| Asisat Oshoala | Barcelona/Nigeria |
| Ewa Pajor | Wolfsburg/Poland |
| Salma Paralluelo | Barcelona/Spain |
| Alexandra Popp | Wolfsburg/Germany |
| Hayley Raso | Manchester City-Real Madrid/Australia |
| Alba Redondo | Levante/Spain |
| Guro Reiten | Chelsea/Norway |
| Wendie Renard | Lyon/France |
| Jill Roord | Wolfsburg-Manchester City/Netherlands |
| Fridolina Rolfo | Barcelona/Swede |
| Khadija Shaw | Manchester City/Jamaica |
| Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns/United States |
| Georgia Stanway | Bayern Munich/England |
| Daphne van Domselaar | Twente-Aston Villa/Netherlands |
The Ballon d’Or winners’ selection criteria have undergone major changes. Now, a panel of international journalists, managers, national team coaches, and captains who vote for the winner considers three things.
The ranking criteria of Ballon d’Or include:
Based on their individual goals scored, assists, defensive contributions, and overall consistency in their playing performance.
They take into account achievements from the club of which the player is a part and the national team. Therefore, it becomes crucial to be consistent to maintain a level of high standard performance all year long.
A player’s conduct and sportsmanship, including avoiding suspensions and other disciplinary actions, may influence the voting. Even so, the Ballon d’Or rating has always been the subject of discussions and disputes.
Neymar is widely regarded as one of the most talented footballers of his generation. His skill and teamwork have led Barcelona to multiple victories, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
In football, the Ballon d’Or sets the standard for achievement and recognition. More than just an award; people consider it significant. It represents the commitment, skill, and influence of athletes who have made a lasting image in this field. Also, it represents several important characteristics and ideals, including individual genius, international renown, historical significance, and motivation for the next players. It brings the world of football together, recognizing artistic ability and much more. For those who earn it, joining the ranks of Ballon d’Or winners is a testament to their extraordinary contributions to the game.
To be named a Ballon d’Or holds much more significance than simply receiving a prize. It also contains the aspirations, final successes, and desires of football players who have made a lasting impression on the sport. What is the cost of the Ballon d’Or, though?
No cash prize is awarded to the winner. This honor recognizes both male and female top football players worldwide.
Additionally, a player winning the Ballon d’Or does induce a substantial financial impact on them. This includes things like enhanced market value, endorsement deals, pay raises, and merchandise opportunities. Winning the Ballon d’Or greatly impacts a football player’s financial possibilities and chances by influencing their status and recognition. For Ballon d’Or winners, the award brings far-reaching rewards beyond just football.
Are you wondering how many Ballon d’Ors Messi has? And how many Ballon d’Ors does Ronaldo have? Being the greatest football giants of their time, these two are the most Ballon d’Or winners ever. Messi holds the maximum number of men’s Ballon d’Or awards, with a record of winning it eight times. Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times. After Messi, Ronaldo took the position of the most Ballon d’Or winners. Other legendary footballers who have won the Ballon d’Or winner award more than twice include Marco van, Johan Cruyff, and Michel Platini.
For a long time now, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football sphere. After these two legendary swimmers, there are some other names for the next Ballon d’Or winners. Here are some of the guesses about who can carry this legacy forward:
At the same time, other footballers who are at the peak of their game include Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, and Erling Haaland. Their incredible talents have brought them to this position in their career in recent years. If experts have to believe, they possess the potential to join the ranks of the Ballon d’Or winners. But winning depends on many factors, such as team performance, individual performance, and voting patterns.
Ballon d’Or has a rich history and an enduring legacy. This represents excellence and recognition in the field of football. It transcends the confines of time and provides a connecting link between the games’ present, past, and future. This reflects the passion, dedication, and artistry that define football. It inspires generations of football enthusiasts, who showcase the magnificent sport and the remarkable individuals who leave a lasting mark on it. Spain’s Rodri in men & Aitana Bonmatí in women are the 2024 Ballon d’Or winners, with the record of the most Ballon d’Or winners list, i.e. eighth time at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Read More:-
Zinedine Zidane has won 1 Ballon d’Or (in 1998).
In 1997, the Ballon d’Or was awarded to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo on December 23. At just 21 years old, Ronaldo became the youngest player to ever receive this prestigious honour, as judged by a panel of sports journalists from UEFA member countries.
As of mid-2025, Ousmane Dembélé is considered the top contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, thanks to his crucial contributions to Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble, which included their first-ever Champions League victory. He recorded 33 goals and 12 assists during the season.
As of November 1989, the special Ballon d’Or award has been given only once, awarded to Spanish-Argentine forward Alfredo Di Stéfano. The winner was chosen through votes from viewers, readers, a panel of France Football judges, and former Ballon d’Or winners.
Yes, several defenders have won the Ballon d’Or.
Here is the list of defenders who have achieved this honor:
Fabio Cannavaro (2006) – Italy
Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976) – West Germany
Matthias Sammer (1996) – Germany
Lothar Matthäus (1990) – Germany (primarily a sweeper/defensive midfielder that year)
Additionally, Bobby Moore (England) finished 2nd in 1970, and Paolo Maldini (Italy) finished 3rd in both 1994 and 2003.
Among all Ballon d’Or winners, Lionel Messi holds the record with eight titles, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five. Other notable Ballon d’Or winners include Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten, each with three awards.
There’s no direct cash prize from France Football for winning the Ballon d’Or. The only tangible reward is the trophy itself, valued at around €3,000. However, winners often receive significant bonus payouts tied to performance clauses in their contracts. For example, Luka Modrić reportedly received up to €800,000 from sponsorship bonuses, Cristiano Ronaldo had a €4 million clause, and Benzema around €2 million.
Authored by, Muskan Gupta
Content Curator
Muskan believes learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore. With years of experience in content creation and strategy, she specializes in educational topics, online earning opportunities, and general knowledge. She enjoys sharing her insights through blogs and articles that inform and inspire her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her hopping between bookstores and bakeries, always in search of her next favorite read or treat.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
