The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award that is given to the best footballer in the world, since it was first awarded in 1956.. It is the dream of every football player to win the prestigious individual award at least once in their lifetime, placing their names in the history books.
The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on the 22nd of September, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha favorites to replace 2024 winner Rodri.
However, in this article, SportPremi takes a look at five footballer, who have won the award the most times in history.
Lionel Messi (Eight times)
For many, Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer in history. The Argentine maestro has won the ballon d’Or a record eight times, which is the most in history. Messi first won the award in 2009, with further wins in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
He is the only player to win the award for four consecutive years and has the most top-three finishes in history (14). Messi won his last award in 2023, becoming the second-oldest winner, after leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament that capped his GOAT status.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Five times)
Messi’s football rival, Ronaldo, has the second most wins in history with five awards to his name. The Portuguese captain won the award for the first time in 2008, before winning again in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Ronaldo also has the most nominations in history (18) and he shared a long-time rivalry with Messi, with both players winning the award 13 times between 2008 and 2023.
Mitchel Platini (Three times)
Former French footballer Mitchel Platini won the award for three consecutive years between 1983 and 1984. With this feat, he became the first player in history to record three straight wins and ended his career with five podium finishes, alongside two third-placed finishes in 1977 and 1980.
Jordan Cruyff (Three times)
Of blessed memory, Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff, won the prestigious award on three occasions. He won for the first time in 1971, with his second and third win coming in 1973 and 1974 respectively.
Cruyff was also the first footballer to win the award three times in history.
Marco Van Basten (Three times)
Dutch legend Marco Van Basten was also the recipient of the ballon d’Or award on three occasions. He won two consecutive awards in 1988 and 1989, while his third award came in 1992.
