Football witnessed history in 2025 when Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, achieved the impossible. At just 18 years old, Yamal became the youngest Ballon d’Or winner of all time, surpassing the legendary Ronaldo Nazário’s long-standing record. His victory not only etched his name in golden letters but also redefined what it means to be great at such a young age. This triumph ensures that the youngest Ballon d’Or winners of all time - full list updated 2025 now has a brand-new leader at the very top.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, is the most prestigious individual accolade in football. It honors the best player in the world based on performances across club and international competitions. First awarded in 1956, it was initially limited to European players but later expanded globally. The trophy has been lifted by legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Ronaldo Nazário, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo—players whose brilliance defined entire generations of football.
A Historic Record: Yamal Surpasses Ronaldo Nazário
For nearly three decades, Ronaldo Nazário’s record stood untouched. The Brazilian striker had won the Ballon d’Or in 1997 at 21 years and 3 months while dazzling the world with Inter Milan. Now, in 2025, Lamine Yamal has shattered that record at just 18. This remarkable feat makes him the first teenager ever to win the award in its 69-year history.
Yamal’s achievement not only confirms his meteoric rise but also signals a new era in football, where young talents are breaking barriers earlier than ever before. His season for Barcelona and Spain combined skill, maturity, and consistency beyond his years.
Youngest Ballon d’Or Winners of All Time - Full List Updated 2025
Below is the full updated list of the youngest players to ever win the Ballon d’Or. With his 2025 triumph, Yamal has now replaced Ronaldo Nazário at the top of this elite group.
| Rank | Player | Country/Club | Age at Win | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamine Yamal | Spain / Barcelona | 18 years | 2025 |
| 2 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil / Inter Milan | 21 years, 3 months, 5 days | 1997 |
| 3 | Michael Owen | England / Liverpool | 22 years, 4 days | 2001 |
| 4 | Lionel Messi | Argentina / Barcelona | 22 years, 5 months, 7 days | 2009 |
| 5 | George Best | Northern Ireland / Manchester United | 22 years, 7 months, 2 days | 1968 |
| 6 | Oleg Blokhin | Soviet Union / Dynamo Kyiv | 23 years, 1 month, 25 days | 1975 |
| 7 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal / Manchester United | 23 years, 9 months, 29 days | 2008 |
| 8 | Eusébio | Portugal / Benfica | 23 years, 11 months, 3 days | 1965 |
| 9 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands / AC Milan | 24 years, 1 month, 27 days | 1988 |
| 10 | Johan Cruyff | Netherlands / Ajax | 24 years, 8 months, 3 days | 1971 |
| 11 | Luis Suárez | Spain / Barcelona | 25 years, 7 months, 10 days | 1960 |
The Legacy of Young Ballon d’Or Winners
Every name on this list represents greatness. From Ronaldo Nazário’s dazzling skill to Michael Owen’s clinical finishing, Lionel Messi’s magical left foot, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s sheer determination—these players set the standard for world football. Now, Lamine Yamal has joined this elite group as the youngest of them all, marking the start of what could be a legendary career.
Ronaldo’s Long-Standing Record Finally Broken
Ronaldo’s 1997 triumph at 21 years was considered nearly unbeatable. His explosive season at Inter Milan made him unstoppable. For 28 years, no player came close to surpassing him—until Yamal rewrote the script of football history in 2025.
Messi and Ronaldo’s Early Milestones
Both Lionel Messi (2009) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2008) were in their early 20s when they captured their first Ballon d’Or, setting off an era of dominance that would last more than a decade. Yamal’s win now signals the possible dawn of a new dynasty.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
The youngest Ballon d’Or winners of all time - full list updated 2025 has been rewritten with Lamine Yamal at the top. His record-breaking triumph at 18 has shocked the footballing world and inspired millions. With this win, he not only surpassed Ronaldo Nazário but also announced himself as the future face of global football.
As history celebrates this moment, one thing is clear: Yamal’s victory will be remembered as the day the impossible became possible.
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About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
