2023-10-27 23:12:10
Every footballer dreams of posing with the Ballon d’Or one day in their life. Repeating this feat several times is within the reach of a handful of players who have marked the history of their sport and entered the football Pantheon forever. Created in 1956 by France Football magazine, this award was originally awarded to the best player with a European nationality and playing in one of the European championships. But between 1995 and 2006, the Ballon d’Or was awarded to the best player playing in a European championship without distinction of nationality. Then, since 2007, it has rewarded the best player in the world, all championships combined. However, no player playing outside of the major European championships has lifted the Ballon d’Or since. Here are the players who have the most in their personal trophy gallery:
LIONEL MESSI (7)
The ‘Pulga’ is the record player for the Ballon d’Or. The former FC Barcelona and PSG player is a seven-time winner of the trophy. Now playing at Inter Miami, he is the big favorite to brandish the precious sesame once more in 2023 following his victory at the World Cup with Argentina. His first Ballon d’Or was won in 2009, the year of Barça’s sextuplet. Will he raise the 8th Monday evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris?
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CRISTIANO RONALDO (5)
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, CR7 will never surpass Lionel Messi in the individual rankings, at least as far as this France Football trophy is concerned. The former Red Devils and Real Madrid striker won the trophy in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Cristiano Ronaldo, surrounded by fellow Manchester United legends Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, with the Ballon d’Or. – PHOTO Jon SUPER/AP
MICHEL PLATINI (3)
Considered by some to be the best French player in history, Michel Platini won 3 Ballons d’Or in a row (1983, 1988 and 1985). As soon as the French number 10 touched the ball, something happened. We all remember his free kicks scored with a disconcerting touch of the ball.
Michel Platini, alongside Zinédine Zidane, Ballon d’Or 1998. – PHOTO
JOHAN CRUYFF (3)
The flying ‘Dutchman’ Johan Cruyff marked an era with his talent and technique. He lifted his first Ballon d’Or in 1971. A true legend of Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona, two stadiums bear his name (the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and the Johan Cruyff Stadium of Barça) and his philosophy is always a benchmark in modern football.
MARCO VAN BASTEN (3)
Marco van Basten is also Dutch, and he has also won the Ballon d’Or three times, including twice consecutively in 1988 and 1989. Renowned for his technique and speed, he contributed to the Dutch victory in Euro 1988 final.
ALFREDO DI STEFANO (2)
FRANZ BECKENBAUER (2)
KEVIN KEEGAN (2)
KARL-HEINZ RUMMENIGGE (2)
RONALDO: 2 GOLDEN BALLS (1997 AND 1999)
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