Player With Most Ballon d’Or Awards Since 1956 – [Full List]

Lionel Messi of Argentina is inarguably the player with the most Ballon d’Or awards since its inception.

Messi’s longtime rival from Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, trails behind in second place, having secured the prestigious award on five occasions, whereas Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten each claimed the honour three times.

Lionel Messi with Ballon d’Or Awards

Brief About Ballon d’Or Awards

The Ballon d’Or Award, also known as the Golden Ball, is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual honour in the realm of football, SportXparte reports.

Annually presented by the esteemed French magazine France Football, it recognizes the best player of the year based on votes from football journalists, coaches, and national team captains.

Stanley Matthews – First Player To Win Ballon d’Or

Since its establishment in 1956, the award has been predominantly claimed by some of the most illustrious figures in football history.

The inaugural recipient of the Ballon d’Or was England’s Stanley Matthews, renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills and ability to outmanoeuvre defenders.

(Stanley Matthews holds the silver sugar bowl that was presented to him for being voted Footballer of the Year for the second time in 1963 – PA Archive) Photo Credit: FootballWriters

However, it was not until 1958 that the award truly gained global recognition when the legendary France player Raymond Kopa, who played for Real Madrid, emerged victorious.

21st Century Ballon d’Or Award Rivalry

In the 21st century, the Ballon d’Or Award has witnessed the overwhelming dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, widely regarded as two of the greatest players in history.

Cristiano Ronaldo posing with his Ballon d’Or awards

Ronaldo has claimed the prestigious award on five occasions, specifically in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, while Messi has secured it eight times, precisely in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

These exceptional athletes have not only redefined goal-scoring and assists but have also exhibited unparalleled supremacy on the field, setting new benchmarks for excellence.

These players and their likes who won the award fewer times have all left their mark on the game and have been recognized for their outstanding performances in the history of football.

SportXparte understands that the Ballon d’Or accolade is not merely an assessment of personal aptitude but also a confirmation of the relentless effort, unwavering commitment, and profound ardour that these athletes possess for the captivating sport.

It stands as an emblem of distinction and acts as a wellspring of motivation for aspiring young players to pursue greatness.

With the passage of time, we can only anticipate and witness the emergence of the next luminary who will etch their name onto the illustrious roster of Ballon d’Or victors, solidifying their indelible mark in the annals of football history.

Below Is The List of Ballon d’Or Winners Since 1956