We are here with the list of Top 10 Oldest Ballon d'Or Winners of All Time. The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most prestigious individual awards, recognising exceptional performances and outstanding contributions to the sport. While several players have won the Golden Ball in their early twenties, others have achieved the honour much later in their careers, proving that experience and longevity can be just as valuable as youthful brilliance.
From Stanley Matthews’ historic triumph in 1956 to Lionel Messi’s remarkable victory in 2023, these footballing legends demonstrated their quality well beyond their peak years. Here are the top 10 oldest Ballon d’Or winners of all time.
1. Stanley Matthews – 41 Years, 10 Months (1956)
Stanley Matthews holds the record as the oldest Ballon d’Or winner in men’s football history. The English winger received the inaugural award in 1956 while playing for Blackpool, aged 41 years and 10 months.
Nicknamed the “Wizard of the Dribble”, Matthews was renowned for his extraordinary ball control, agility and ability to beat defenders. His achievement was particularly remarkable given the physical demands of professional football during that era. Winning the first-ever Ballon d’Or at such an advanced age cemented his place among the sport’s enduring legends.
2. Lionel Messi – 36 Years, 3 Months (2023)
Lionel Messi became the second-oldest Ballon d’Or winner when he collected his eighth award in 2023, aged 36 years and three months. The Argentine superstar was recognised primarily for his extraordinary performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Argentina to its first title since 1986.
Messi scored seven goals during the tournament, including twice in the final against France. Despite moving to Inter Miami in 2023 after his spell at Paris Saint-Germain, his international achievements secured another historic individual honour.
3. Karim Benzema – 34 Years, 9 Months (2022)
Karim Benzema won his first Ballon d’Or in 2022 at 34 years and nine months old, becoming one of the oldest first-time recipients of the award.
The French striker enjoyed a sensational 2021–22 season with Real Madrid, scoring crucial goals as the Spanish giants won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His outstanding performances against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City highlighted his leadership, technical quality and clinical finishing. Benzema’s victory rewarded years of consistency at the highest level.
4. Lionel Messi – 34 Years, 5 Months (2021)
Lionel Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021 at 34 years and five months old. During the year, he continued to produce exceptional performances for Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
His greatest achievement came with Argentina at the Copa América, where he inspired his country to its first major senior international trophy since 1993. Messi finished the tournament with four goals and five assists, earning both the Golden Boot and Best Player award. His international breakthrough strengthened his case for another Ballon d’Or.
5. Lev Yashin – 34 Years, 1 Month (1963)
Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or. The Soviet legend received the award in 1963 at 34 years and one month old while representing Dynamo Moscow.
Famous for his remarkable reflexes, commanding presence and ability to organise his defence, Yashin revolutionised expectations of goalkeeping. His performances earned him the nickname “The Black Spider”. Winning the Ballon d’Or as a goalkeeper remains an extraordinary achievement, highlighting his influence on football’s defensive side.
6. Luka Modrić – 33 Years, 3 Months (2018)
Luka Modrić won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 at 33 years and three months old after an exceptional season with Real Madrid and Croatia.
The midfielder helped Real Madrid win a third consecutive UEFA Champions League title before leading Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final. His vision, passing range, composure and tactical intelligence made him central to both teams’ success. Modrić also ended the decade-long Ballon d’Or dominance of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
7. Fabio Cannavaro – 33 Years, 2 Months (2006)
Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2006 at 33 years and two months old. His victory followed Italy’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup in Germany, where he captained the national team to glory.
Cannavaro’s outstanding defensive positioning, aerial ability and leadership helped Italy concede just two goals from opposition players throughout the tournament. His achievement was especially significant because defenders rarely win the award, making him one of the few centre-backs to receive football’s highest individual recognition.
8. Alfredo Di Stéfano – 33 Years (1959)
Alfredo Di Stéfano won his second Ballon d’Or in 1959 at approximately 33 years old while playing for Real Madrid. The Argentine-born Spanish international was a driving force behind the club’s dominance in European football during the 1950s.
Di Stéfano combined goalscoring ability with exceptional work rate, creativity and tactical versatility. He could influence matches from almost any position on the pitch, helping Real Madrid maintain their status as a continental powerhouse. His second award further confirmed his standing among the greatest players in football history.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo – 32 Years, 9 Months (2017)
Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or in 2017 at 32 years and nine months old while representing Real Madrid.
He played a decisive role in the club’s successful season, helping Madrid win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Ronaldo finished as the Champions League’s leading scorer, delivering crucial performances in the knockout stages. His exceptional athleticism, goalscoring consistency and ability to perform in decisive matches continued to distinguish him among the world’s elite players.
10. Josef Masopust – 31 Years, 10 Months (1962)
Czechoslovak midfielder Josef Masopust completes the top 10 after winning the Ballon d’Or in 1962 at 31 years and 10 months old.
Playing for Dukla Prague, Masopust enjoyed international recognition after leading Czechoslovakia to the FIFA World Cup final in Chile. He scored in the final against Brazil, although his team ultimately lost 3–1. Renowned for his passing, movement and tactical awareness, Masopust became the first Czechoslovak player to win the Ballon d’Or.
Final Thoughts
The oldest Ballon d’Or winners of all time demonstrate that experience, consistency and exceptional talent can sustain success well into a footballer’s thirties and beyond. Stanley Matthews remains the record holder, while Messi’s 2023 triumph highlighted his enduring greatness. From goalkeeping legend Lev Yashin to midfield maestro Luka Modrić, these icons proved that age does not have to limit footballing excellence.
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