The Ballon d'Or is regarded as one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, with legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane among its famous winners. As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 Ballon d'Or, the race has featured major names including Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. But who started this illustrious list of winners? Let us Find out.
Who Won the First Ballon d'Or in 1956?
Stanley Matthews won the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956, becoming the first player to receive what was then known as the European Footballer of the Year award. The prize was created by French football magazine France Football to recognise the best European footballer of the year.
Matthews was playing for English club Blackpool when he claimed the historic award. He finished ahead of two of the biggest stars of European football at the time: Alfredo Di Stéfano of Real Madrid and French midfielder Raymond Kopa.
The official voting saw Matthews collect 47 points, narrowly beating Di Stéfano's 44 points. Kopa finished third with 33 points, while Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás came fourth with 32.
Stanley Matthews: The First Ballon d'Or Winner
Stanley Matthews was one of England's most celebrated footballers and was renowned for his extraordinary dribbling ability. He was nicknamed the "Wizard of Dribble" and "The Magician", reflecting his ability to beat defenders with his close control and skill.
Born in 1915 in Stoke-on-Trent, Matthews played primarily as an outside right. His club career included long spells with Stoke City and Blackpool. At Blackpool, he became particularly famous for his performances on the wing and helped the club win the FA Cup in 1953.
What made his 1956 Ballon d'Or victory particularly remarkable was his age. Matthews was 41 years old when he won the award, making him the oldest Ballon d'Or winner in history.
Why Did Stanley Matthews Win the 1956 Ballon d'Or?
Matthews' victory was a major achievement because he faced exceptionally strong competition. Real Madrid's Alfredo Di Stéfano was already establishing himself as one of the greatest players in European football, while Raymond Kopa was another outstanding attacking talent.
However, Matthews' individual brilliance and performances for England helped him secure the award. England remained unbeaten during 1956 and recorded a notable 4–2 victory over Brazil at Wembley, with Matthews playing a prominent role in the national team's attack.
His technical ability, dribbling and longevity also made him a unique candidate. Matthews demonstrated that age was no barrier to performing at the highest level, winning the first Ballon d'Or at an age when most footballers had already retired.
Who Finished Behind Stanley Matthews in the First Ballon d'Or?
The 1956 Ballon d'Or voting produced a fascinating top four:
1. Stanley Matthews – Blackpool – 47 points
2. Alfredo Di Stéfano – Real Madrid – 44 points
3. Raymond Kopa – Stade de Reims/Real Madrid – 33 points
4. Ferenc Puskás – Budapest Honvéd – 32 points
The voting was conducted by journalists representing 16 European countries. Each voter selected five players, with points awarded according to their ranking. Matthews received six first-place votes and ultimately finished three points ahead of Di Stéfano.
Interestingly, the award was initially restricted to European players competing in Europe. This meant that some legendary footballers from outside Europe were not eligible during the early years of the competition.
How Stanley Matthews' Ballon d'Or Legacy Has Endured
Matthews' achievement remains an important part of Ballon d'Or history. He was not only the first winner but also established several remarkable records surrounding the award.
His victory came before the Ballon d'Or evolved into the globally recognised prize it is today. Over the decades, the award expanded its eligibility and became a worldwide symbol of individual excellence, eventually being won by iconic figures such as Messi and Ronaldo.
France Football's official list of winners begins with Matthews in 1956, followed by Di Stéfano in 1957 and Raymond Kopa in 1958.
Who Could Win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
The modern Ballon d'Or race is vastly different from the one Matthews won nearly seven decades ago. The upcoming 2026 Ballon d'Or has produced a particularly competitive contest, with Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé among the leading contenders. Recent assessments have placed Kane, Yamal and Mbappé at the centre of the debate, although there is no unanimous favourite.
Whoever eventually wins will add their name to a list that began with Stanley Matthews in 1956. His historic triumph remains a reminder of how dramatically football and the Ballon d'Or have evolved, while also highlighting the timeless importance of skill, consistency and individual brilliance.
Also Read | All Ballon d’Or Award Winners List