Football is a team sport, but individual brilliance can make all the difference. Over the years, some exceptional players have dominated the sport, winning numerous accolades and cementing their places in history. In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 footballers with the most individual awards, based on prestigious accolades like the Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player of the Year, European Golden Shoe, UEFA Player of the Year, Golden Boots, and awards obtained at the end of prestigious tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and continental tournaments.
10. Gerd Müller (15 individual awards)
German forward Gerd Müller was a clinical finisher and one of the greatest goalscorers in football history. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1970 and numerous other individual awards, including two European Golden Shoes.
9. Eusébio (16 individual awards)
Portuguese forward Eusébio da Silva Ferreira was a prolific goalscorer and Benfica’s greatest ever player. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1965 and was runner-up in 1962 and 1966, among numerous other individual accolades.
8. Zinedine Zidane (17 individual awards)
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane was a playmaker renowned for his elegance, vision, and technique. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and numerous other individual awards, including three FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
7. Alfredo Di Stéfano (18 individual awards)
Argentine-Spanish forward Alfredo Di Stéfano was a dominant force in the 1950s and 1960s. He won three Ballon d’Or awards and numerous other individual accolades, solidifying his position as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
6. Michel Platini (19 individual awards)
French midfielder Michel Platini was a creative genius and one of the greatest players of all time. He won three Ballon d’Or awards, two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and numerous other individual accolades.
5. Johan Cruyff (20 individual awards)
Dutch forward Johan Cruyff was a revolutionary player and coach who changed the face of football. He won three Ballon d’Or awards, one FIFA World Player of the Year award, and numerous other individual accolades.
4. Marco van Basten (22 individual awards)
Dutch forward Marco van Basten was a prolific goalscorer and one of the greatest players of all time. He won three Ballon d’Or awards, one FIFA World Player of the Year award, and numerous other individual accolades.
3. Ronaldo de Lima (24 individual awards)
Brazilian forward Ronaldo Nazário de Lima was a dominant force in the 1990s and 2000s. He won two Ballon d’Or awards, three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and numerous other individual accolades.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (28 individual awards)
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the most dominant players of the 21st century. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards, four FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and numerous other individual accolades.
1. Lionel Messi (36 individual awards)
Argentine forward Lionel Messi has been the most dominant player of the 21st century, winning an unprecedented eight Ballon d’Or awards, eighth FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and numerous other individual accolades.
