The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award. It is an annual honour given to the best player in the world, based on performances across a calendar year. First presented in 1956 by France Football, the award has crowned legends across generations.
But beyond the Ballon d’Or lies a rarer gem: the Super Ballon d’Or.
Awarded only once in history, the Super Ballon d’Or was introduced in 1989 to recognise the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of the previous three decades. France Football allowed journalists, and previous Ballon d’Or winners to vote. Michel Platini came third. Johan Cruyff finished second. The honour ultimately went to Alfredo Di Stéfano, the Real Madrid icon and one of the game’s most influential figures.
Winning the Ballon d’Or is already an extraordinary achievement. But the Super Ballon d’Or makes you the undisputed best of your generation.
Now, the conversation is back. For the first time in decades, France Football’s official Ballon d’Or account has acknowledged the possibility of bringing it back. With that in mind, we’ve taken the opportunity to rank the top ten contenders who could receive the honour if it were awarded again.
10. Gianluigi Buffon
When the conversation turns to legendary goalkeepers, Buffon’s name stands at the very top. A symbol of consistency, leadership, and elite shot-stopping, he played a crucial role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph and enjoyed a glittering club career.
Though he never won the Ballon d’Or or the Champions League, Buffon claimed 12 Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards. That record speaks for itself.
9. Paolo Maldini
The ultimate benchmark for defenders. Maldini’s longevity, composure, and defensive brilliance made him the gold standard for generations.
He captained AC Milan through multiple eras of dominance, winning seven Serie A titles and an astonishing five European Cups. A true icon whose legacy transcends eras.
8. Andres Iniesta
The Xavi-Iniesta era changed the way the world viewed midfielders. Iniesta’s elegance, intelligence, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage, especially his World Cup-winning goal in 2010, made him a fan favourite.
He came second in the 2010 Ballon d’Or, a year when all three finalists were Barcelona teammates: Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta. He won everything there was to win in football.
7. Luka Modrić
The greatest Croatian footballer of all time. Modrić ended the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or streak in 2018, winning the award after a remarkable year in which he led Croatia to the World Cup final and played a central role in Real Madrid’s Champions League success.
Elegant, tireless, and a true midfield general.
6. Xavi Hernández
Arguably the best passer the game has ever seen. Xavi’s intelligence, positioning, and control shaped the golden era of both Barcelona and Spain.
He never won the Ballon d’Or but finished third three times. Like Iniesta, he completed football by winning every major club and international honour.
5. Ronaldinho
The player who made an entire generation fall in love with football. At his peak, Ronaldinho was pure magic. He played the game with unmatched flair, joy, and creativity.
Winner of the 2005 Ballon d’Or, the World Cup, and the Champions League, he lit up football in a way few ever have.
4. Zinedine Zidane
France’s footballing jewel. Zidane won the 1998 Ballon d’Or after leading France to World Cup glory, scoring twice in the final.
His elegance and technical brilliance defined an era. He later found success as a manager, winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid. A true footballing mind both on and off the pitch.
3. Ronaldo Nazario
O Fenômeno. At his peak, Ronaldo was unstoppable. A blend of pace, power, technique, and goalscoring that defenders simply could not handle.
Despite injuries shortening his prime, he still won two Ballon d’Or awards and two World Cups. He remains one of the greatest strikers of all time.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Five Ballon d’Ors. The all-time leading goalscorer in football history. A born winner.
Cristiano led Portugal to their first-ever major trophy at Euro 2016 and dominated both club and international football for over a decade. His consistency, drive, and impact make him one of the most complete forwards in history.
1. Lionel Messi
The undisputed favourite. Messi’s achievements almost defy belief:
• Most Ballon d’Or wins (8)
• A World Cup
• Most European Golden Boots
• Most FIFA Best awards
• Most World Cup Golden Balls
• Most assists and goal contributions in history
• Most trophies ever won by a footballer
There is a reason he is seen by many as the greatest of all time. If the Super Ballon d’Or returns, it is hard to see anyone else standing above him.
