Ballon d'Or: Which players have won the most Ballon d’Or trophies?

The 2023 edition of the trophy will be handed out on October 30

The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in football. It recognises the best player in the world each year and has been graced by some of the most iconic footballers in history. The Ballon d’Or signifies a player’s unparalleled skill, consistency, and impact on the game.  

The award has a rich history dating back to 1956, making it one of the longest-standing individual honours in football. Over the years, it has been won by some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, cementing its importance in the footballing world. So, which players have won the most Ballon d’Or trophies? 

Lionel Messi - The Magician with Seven Trophies 

Lionel Messi stands atop the list of Ballon d'Or winners with an astounding seven trophies to his name.  Messi's dribbling, vision, and goalscoring ability have made him the world’s best player. His incredible ability to control matches and deliver moments of magic has endeared him to football fans worldwide. Messi's seven Ballon d'Or awards underline his consistency and domination of the global football stage. 

Cristiano Ronaldo - The Phenomenal One with Five Trophies 

Cristiano Ronaldo, often hailed as "CR7," is a fierce competitor who has won the Ballon d'Or five times. Ronaldo possesses incredible physical attributes, athleticism, and an insatiable appetite for goals. His dedication to self-improvement and adaptability have allowed him to shine in multiple leagues and teams, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, the Portuguese national team, and now Al Nassr. Ronaldo's multiple Ballon d'Or wins cement his status as one of the all-time great goalscorers. 

Michel Platini - The French Maestro with Three Trophies 

Michel Platini graced the football world during the 1980s and holds three Ballon d'Or titles. His elegance on the ball, precision passing, and exceptional football IQ set him apart from the competition. Platini's performances for clubs like AS Saint-Etienne and Juventus, along with his contributions to the French national team, etched his name in the annals of football history. 

Johan Cruyff - The Dutch Total Football Visionary with Three Trophies 

Johan Cruyff is a Dutch football legend and is renowned for his pioneering role in the development of Total Football, and his distinctive playing style. His football intelligence, dribbling skills, and vision made him a standout player. Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times during his illustrious career, underlining his influence on the sport both as a player. 

Marco van Basten - The Dutch Striker with Three Trophies 

Marco van Basten, another Dutch football legend, claimed three Ballon d'Or trophies during his career. His incredible goalscoring ability, especially during his time with AC Milan, made him a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, ankle injuries cut short his career, making him unknown to a generation of football fans. van Basten retired from professional football in August 1995 at the relatively young age of 30 due to ongoing problems with an ankle injury. He had starred for the likes of Ajax and AC Milan before calling it a day.