The Ballon d'Or d'Honneur is one of the rarest distinctions in football history. Unlike the traditional Ballon d'Or, which is awarded annually to the world's outstanding player, the honorary award was created to recognise legendary players who were unable to win the prestigious prize during their playing careers.
Only two football icons have received this special honour: Diego Maradona and Pelé. Both were denied the traditional Ballon d'Or largely because of the eligibility rules that existed during their careers.
Why Were Maradona and Pelé Unable to Win the Ballon d'Or?
When the Ballon d'Or was introduced by France Football in 1956, eligibility was restricted to European players. That meant even the world's greatest non-European stars could not win the award.
The rules changed in 1995, when the prize was opened to players of any nationality playing for European clubs. From 2007, eligibility was expanded further to players worldwide.
This historical restriction explains why two of football's greatest-ever players, Maradona and Pelé, never appeared as traditional Ballon d'Or winners.
Diego Maradona – Ballon d'Or d'Honneur in 1995
Diego Maradona became the first of the two legends to receive an honorary Ballon d'Or.
On January 3, 1995, France Football presented Maradona with the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur for his extraordinary career. The award recognised a player who had already cemented his status as one of football's greatest figures.
Maradona's greatest achievement came with Argentina at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he inspired his country to glory. He also became a legendary figure at Napoli, helping the Italian club win major domestic honours and the 1989 UEFA Cup.
Although he could not win the official Ballon d'Or under the rules of his era, the honorary award ensured that his contribution to football was formally recognised.
Pelé – FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur in 2013
Pelé became the second player to receive an honorary Ballon d'Or, although his award came under a slightly different name.
At the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony, Pelé was presented with the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur for his extraordinary career.
The Brazilian legend won an unprecedented three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He also enjoyed an iconic club career with Santos.
Pelé's exclusion from the traditional Ballon d'Or was particularly notable because the award's original rules prevented him from being eligible. The honorary prize effectively recognised the achievements that the traditional voting system had been unable to acknowledge.
Ballon d'Or d'Honneur Winners: Maradona and Pelé
The complete list of players to receive this special recognition is remarkably short:
1. Diego Maradona – 1995 - Received the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur from France Football for his career.
2. Pelé – 2013 - Received the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur for his outstanding contribution to football.
Therefore, when discussing the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur, Maradona and Pelé stand alone in football history.
FAQ About the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur
Who won the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur?
Diego Maradona and Pelé are the only two players to receive an honorary Ballon d'Or distinction.
Why didn't Pelé win the Ballon d'Or?
Pelé was not eligible because the original Ballon d'Or rules restricted the award to European players.
Why didn't Maradona win the Ballon d'Or?
Maradona was also ineligible under the rules in place during most of his career. France Football later honoured him in 1995.
When did Pelé receive his honorary Ballon d'Or?
Pelé received the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur in 2013
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