From Lionel Messi To Cristiano Ronaldo: List Of Top 10 Footballers With Most Ballon d'Or Awards - In Pics

Lionel Messi stands tall as the undisputed leader in Ballon d'Or honors, securing this prestigious accolade in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023. His remarkable feat of eight wins, all achieved during his tenure at FC Barcelona, is a testament to his unparalleled consistency and longevity at the highest echelons of the sport. While now with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi continues to leave an indelible mark on football history.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a football phenomenon, boasts five Ballon d'Or titles to his name. In the period from 2008 to 2017, he and Messi engaged in a captivating duopoly for the award, with Ronaldo emerging victorious in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. His enduring competitiveness and remarkable performances have firmly etched his name in the annals of football history.

The illustrious French midfielder Michel Platini secured the Ballon d'Or trophy on three consecutive occasions. His triumphant years were 1983, 1984, and 1985. A true maestro of the midfield, Platini also achieved greatness with one UEFA Euro title for France, two Serie A league titles with Juventus, and served as the President of UEFA until 2015.

Johan Cruyff, a football visionary, deserves immense reverence for his contributions. A central figure in promoting the "Total Football" philosophy, he earned the Ballon d'Or thrice in 1971, 1973, and 1974. His achievements include three European club trophies with Ajax, nine Dutch Eredivisie titles, and a Spanish La Liga victory with FC Barcelona. His enduring influence on the sport remains evident to this day.

Marco van Basten, a legendary figure from the Netherlands, joins the ranks of three-time Ballon d'Or winners. His remarkable victories came in 1988, 1989, and 1992. Van Basten also contributed to his national team's success with one UEFA Euro triumph and achieved club glory with AC Milan, securing two Champions League titles.

Franz Beckenbauer, renowned as the pioneer of the sweeper defender role, stands as a legendary figure in global football. The former German international clinched the Ballon d'Or twice in 1972 and 1976. His illustrious career featured extensive stints with FC Bayern Munich, where he won three Champions League titles, five Bundesliga championships, and earned World Cup and Euros titles with the German national team.

The 'original' Ronaldo, a Brazilian icon, is a two-time Ballon d'Or laureate. His victories came in 1997 and 2002. Ronaldo's remarkable performances played a pivotal role in Brazil's 2002 FIFA World Cup triumph. Renowned as a legendary striker, he holds the distinction of representing both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona during his illustrious career.

Alfredo Di Stefano, one of Spain's most lethal forwards, earned the Ballon d'Or on two occasions, in 1957 and 1959. His list of accomplishments includes five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, eight Spanish league titles, and five Golden Boot awards in La Liga.

Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan secured the Ballon d'Or twice, in 1978 and 1979. His time with Liverpool saw him win 11 trophies, including three Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League title.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, an FC Bayern Munich and German football legend, achieved Ballon d'Or glory twice. He claimed the award in 1980 and 1981, adding to his extensive list of accomplishments that included two league titles, two European club championships (UCL), and a UEFA Euro title with the German national team.