Beyond the pitch: the biggest winners who lifted the Ballon d'Or

In the world of football, the Ballon d'Or transcends the boundaries of the pitch, becoming the ultimate symbol of individual excellence.

After being recognized and taking the Argentine team to the top of the world, Lionel Messi won one of the most prestigious awards in football: the Ballon d'Or. In fact, this is the eighth time he has won.

But do you know how this award came about? At the end of each year, everyone waits to find out who will be the champion. So, we brought you a list so you know who the biggest winners are. Come with us and see!

What is the origin of the Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award in the world of football. Annually, awarded by the French magazine France Football. Thus, the award began in 1956 and was created to recognize the best football player in the world each year.

Although the initial idea was to honor the most outstanding European player, in 1995, eligibility was extended to players of any nationality playing for European clubs. Therefore, the term Ballon d'Or refers to the golden metal ball awarded to the winner. In fact, the selection is made by sports journalists from different countries, who vote for their three main players.

This way, the player who receives the most votes is then awarded the Ballon d'Or. Over the years, the award has become one of the most prestigious individual recognitions in the world of football.

Now, we can meet the players who were some of the most prominent to win the Ballon d'Or on several occasions. Some are still active today, and others are no longer alive. Check out!

1.  Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, Argentine football player, is considered one of the greatest football players of all time due to his incredible technical ability, vision of the game and goalscoring.

Therefore, Messi became known for his numerous individual achievements, being awarded on several occasions. Therefore, he has won eight times, in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. These awards highlight his consistent excellence throughout his career.

2.  Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Messi, is also recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of football. In fact, known for his extraordinary technical ability, speed, physical strength and ability to score goals.

In this way, Cristiano Ronaldo also accumulates successes. As a result, he won the Ballon d'Or five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017), consolidating his status as one of the best players in the world.

3.  Michel Platini

Michel Platini is a former French football player and one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football. His career as a professional player spanned mainly the 1970s and 1980s.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or, Michel Platini won it three consecutive times, that is, in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Therefore, this feat is remarkable and reflects his exceptional contribution to football at that time.

4.  Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff was a great Dutch football player and coach, as well as one of the greatest football players and influencers of all time. In fact, he was one of the main players of the Dutch Carousel, a team known for its innovative playing style.

Thus, Johan Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times during his career, in 1971, 1973 and 1974. In addition to his achievements as a player and coach, he was recognized for his significant contributions to the evolution of the sport.

5.  marco van basten

Marco van Basten is a former Dutch football player and one of football's greatest strikers, known for his technical ability, precision in kicks and ability to score spectacular goals.

Van Basten had a remarkable career in football and, as proof, he was awarded the Ballon d'Or three times in the years 1988, 1989 and 1992. After his career as a player, he also had a career as a coach and sports director.

6.  Ronaldo

Of course there had to be a Brazilian, Ronaldo Fenômeno, former football player, is considered one of the greatest strikers in the history of football and is often mentioned as one of the best players of all time.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or twice: in 1997 and in 2002. After retiring as a player, Ronaldo was also involved in business and sporting activities, demonstrating his continued influence in the world of football.

And that! It’s incredible to know the history of awards, isn’t it?! And, of course, after learning about the Ballon d'Or and the biggest winners in men's football, see also the history of women's football in Brazil. After all, our girls also know how to play good football. We are not surprised by the fact that Martha has received six Ballon d'Ors throughout her career.