The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is considered the pinnacle of individual achievement in the world of football. Since its inception in 1956, the award has been presented 67 times, and as the 68th edition is set for 2024, it continues to capture the attention of football fans worldwide. The Ballon d'Or has seen incredible competition over the years, with some legendary players dominating the rankings. Among them, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as two of the greatest footballers ever, claiming an astonishing 13 Ballon d'Or titles between them.
| Rank | Player | No. of Ballon d'Ors | Years Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| 3 | Michel Platini | 3 | 1983, 1984, 1985 |
| 3 | Johan Cruyff | 3 | 1971, 1973, 1974 |
| 3 | Marco van Basten | 3 | 1988, 1989, 1992 |
| 5 | Franz Beckenbauer | 2 | 1972, 1976 |
| 5 | Ronaldo | 2 | 1997, 2002 |
| 5 | Alfredo di Stefano | 2 | 1957, 1959 |
| 5 | Kevin Keegan | 2 | 1978, 1979 |
| 5 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | 2 | 1980, 1981 |
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Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, has etched his name in history with a record-breaking 8 Ballon d'Ors. His journey to dominance began in 2009 when he won his first Ballon d'Or, a title he would defend for four consecutive years. This marked the beginning of a legendary rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, as Messi claimed the prestigious honour in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Though Ronaldo overtook him in 2013 and 2014, Messi regained his crown in 2015, and after a slight lull, he was again crowned the world's best in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Messi's remarkable consistency and brilliance on the field have made him a symbol of excellence in football, with his individual accolades perfectly complementing his team's triumphs, including multiple Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona and a historic Copa América win with Argentina in 2021.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's fiercest competitor, has claimed 5 Ballon d'Ors, showcasing his dedication and prowess over the years. Ronaldo's journey to his first Ballon d'Or began in 2008, just after his breakthrough season with Manchester United, where he played a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League victory. This win marked the start of a long-standing rivalry with Messi.
Ronaldo’s next wins came in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, with each triumph showcasing his exceptional performances for both Real Madrid and Portugal. Ronaldo's success wasn't just about his club performances but also his ability to shine on the international stage, helping Portugal win the UEFA Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Despite Messi’s continued dominance, Ronaldo’s legacy is marked by his tireless work ethic, incredible fitness, and remarkable ability to perform in crucial moments, ensuring his place among football’s all-time greats.
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Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, is often cited as the greatest player of all time, yet he never won the Ballon d'Or. This is because the award was initially limited to European players until 1995. However, France Football later revealed that Pelé would have likely won the Ballon d'Or seven times, making him the record holder before Messi surpassed him.
Had Pelé been eligible, he would have claimed the prestigious award in the following years: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, and 1970. Pelé’s achievements, including winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil, are unparalleled, making him one of football’s greatest icons despite the absence of a Ballon d'Or in his trophy cabinet.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony saw several other exciting award recipients:
As the Ballon d'Or continues to be awarded, it serves as a testament to the rich history of football and the players who have shaped the game. From Pelé's untouchable legacy to the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ballon d'Or has consistently highlighted the most exceptional talents in the sport, inspiring generations of players to chase greatness.
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