The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, recognising the world's best players for their outstanding performances. Winning it once is a remarkable achievement, but a select group of football legends have claimed the honour multiple times.
Here are the top five players with the most Ballon d'Or awards in football history.
1. Lionel Messi – 8 Ballon d'Or Awards
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards in football history, having won the trophy eight times. The Argentine superstar claimed his first award in 2009 after an outstanding season with Barcelona.
Messi subsequently won the Ballon d'Or in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. His achievements with Barcelona, combined with his international success with Argentina, cemented his status as one of football's greatest players.
His 2023 victory was particularly significant, following Argentina's triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 Ballon d'Or Awards
Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second with five Ballon d'Or awards, establishing himself as one of the most decorated individual players in football history.
The Portuguese forward won his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 while playing for Manchester United. He subsequently claimed the award in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 during his remarkable career with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo's exceptional goalscoring record, Champions League performances and consistency at the highest level helped him become Messi's closest rival in the race for individual honours.
3. Michel Platini – 3 Ballon d'Or Awards
Michel Platini is one of only a handful of players to have won the Ballon d'Or three times. The French football legend claimed the award consecutively in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
Platini enjoyed the peak of his playing career at Juventus, where his creativity, passing ability and goalscoring contributions made him one of Europe's finest midfielders.
His performances for France were equally impressive, particularly during the 1984 European Championship, when he led his country to the title and finished as the tournament's leading goalscorer.
4. Johan Cruyff – 3 Ballon d'Or Awards
Johan Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974. The Dutch icon became one of football's most influential figures through his technical brilliance, intelligence and tactical understanding.
Cruyff was central to Ajax's dominance in European football during the early 1970s, helping the Dutch club win three consecutive European Cups from 1971 to 1973.
He also became the leading face of Total Football, a revolutionary playing philosophy that influenced generations of players and coaches.
5. Marco van Basten – 3 Ballon d'Or Awards
Marco van Basten completes the list with three Ballon d'Or awards, won in 1988, 1989 and 1992.
The Dutch striker was renowned for his finishing, technical ability and remarkable movement inside the penalty area. He enjoyed considerable success with AC Milan, helping the Italian giants dominate domestic and European football.
Van Basten also played a crucial role in the Netherlands' victory at Euro 1988, finishing as the tournament's top scorer. Despite retiring prematurely because of persistent ankle injuries, his achievements secured his place among football's greatest forwards.
FAQs
Who has won the most Ballon d'Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record with eight Ballon d'Or awards.
How many Ballon d'Or awards has Cristiano Ronaldo won?
Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Ballon d'Or awards.
Which players have won three Ballon d'Or awards?
Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten have each won the award three times.
Has any player won the Ballon d'Or more than five times?
Yes. Lionel Messi has won it eight times, while Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times.
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