Players Without Ballon d’Or: Ever wondered why some soccer greats never received this prestigious award? These athletes displayed incredible talent and made significant impacts on the game, yet they often went unrecognized. Let’s explore the stories of soccer legends who never won the title of ‘World’s Best Player.

Key Takeaways
- The Ballon d’Or often goes to European players, making it hard for others to win.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s success in the 2000s and 2010s made it tough for others to win.
- Defenders and goalkeepers rarely win, with Fabio Cannavaro and Lev Yashin being exceptions.
- Stars like Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, and Paolo Maldini almost won but didn’t.
- The Ballon d’Or focuses on individual achievements, missing the team impact of some players.
The Prestigious Ballon d’Or Award
The Ballon d’Or, or « Golden Ball, » is the top honor in European football. It started in 1956 by France Football magazine. This award goes to the best player in the world each year.
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Winning the Ballon d’Or is a major highlight in a footballer’s career. It shows their hard work and skill on the field.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is the highest honor for a football player. It’s given to the player who stands out with their performance and leadership. The award is for players from any country, as long as they play in UEFA clubs.
Significance and Prestige
The Ballon d’Or is seen as the top award in European football. It’s not just for European players. In recent years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award.
These two players have raised the bar for football. They have amazed fans and experts with their incredible skills and winning performances.
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Total Ballon d’Or Awards Won | Lionel Messi – 8, Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 |
Most Nominations | Cristiano Ronaldo – 18 |
First Non-European Winner | George Weah (Liberia) in 1995 |
First South American Winner | Ronaldo (Brazil) in 1997 |
The Ballon d’Or is the highest achievement in football. Players from all over the world dream of winning it. It shows a player’s greatness and leaves a lasting legacy.
Criteria for Consideration
The Ballon d’Or award is the top honor in soccer. It has specific rules for who can win it. Players must have started playing since 1995, when the award first included non-European players.
This rule has made the award more diverse. It allows talented players from around the world to be recognized.
The selection for the Ballon d’Or looks at several important things. It considers the player’s skill, the league they play in, and their past awards. Players who were close but didn’t win before 1995 are not considered now.
Time Period Covered
The Ballon d’Or is given to the best player of the European season. This season runs from August to July. The winner is chosen based on their performance during this time.
Key Factors Evaluated
- Individual player performances and statistics
- Team success and championships won
- Impact on the game and influence on the team
- Sportsmanship and ethical conduct
The panel of journalists carefully considers these factors. They make sure the Ballon d’Or goes to the player who truly stands out.

Top Players Without Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is the top honor in soccer. Yet, many great players have never won it. Stars like Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, Paolo Maldini, Xavi, and others have been overshadowed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Some of the greatest players never to win the Ballon d’Or include:
- Giacinto Facchetti, who finished second in the 1965 Ballon d’Or voting, just 8 points behind the winner, Eusébio.
- Luigi Riva, who came in second place in the 1969 Ballon d’Or, trailing Gianni Rivera by a mere 4 points.
- Günter Netzer and Gerd Müller, who both tied for second place in the 1972 Ballon d’Or, just 2 points behind the winner, Franz Beckenbauer.
- Rob Rensenbrink, who amassed 75 points in the 1976 Ballon d’Or ranking, coming in second behind Beckenbauer with 91 points.
- Franco Baresi, who secured the second position in the 1989 Ballon d’Or voting, finishing behind Marco van Basten.
- Roberto Carlos, who came in second in the 2002 Ballon d’Or voting with 145 points, falling short to Ronaldo who obtained 169 points.
These top players without ballon d’or and greatest players never won ballon d’or were truly world-class talents and elite performers. They left a lasting impact on soccer. Their lack of a Ballon d’Or shows the incredible talent in the sport.

While Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or multiple times, the stats show how close others were. This highlights their amazing contributions to soccer.
Thierry Henry: Unlucky Gunner
Thierry Henry, the legendary Arsenal striker, twice finished as a runner-up in the prestigious Ballon d’Or voting. His closest call came in 2003 when he finished second behind Juventus’ Pavel Nedved. Despite becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer with an impressive 228 goals, the Frenchman was never able to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or award during his illustrious career.
Henry’s contributions to the Gunners were undeniable. He won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with the North London club, including an unbeaten « Invincible » season. The striker also claimed the Premier League Golden Boot a record four times, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. However, his individual accolades were not enough to earn him the Ballon d’Or, a testament to the fiercely competitive nature of the award.
In the 2002-03 season, Henry’s standout performance saw him contribute 23 assists while also scoring 32 goals in all competitions. This remarkable season saw him finish as the Ballon d’Or runner-up behind Nedved, a narrow miss that would haunt the player throughout his career.

Despite his failure to win the Ballon d’Or, Thierry Henry’s legacy as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history remains undiminished. His impact on Arsenal and the French national team, with whom he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, solidifies his place among the all-time greats of the game.
Andres Iniesta: Midfield Maestro
Andrés Iniesta was a close second for the Ballon d’Or in 2010, losing to Lionel Messi. He played a key role in Barcelona’s success and Spain’s World Cup win that year. This made him a top contender for the award.
Barcelona and Spain Legend

Iniesta spent over 20 years playing for Barcelona and Spain. He made 625 league appearances for Barcelona, scoring 66 goals. His international career was also remarkable, with 131 games and 13 goals for Spain, helping them win the World Cup in 2010.
He won nine La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and three European Championships with Spain. Iniesta was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI nine times and the UEFA Team of the Year six times. This solidified his place among the greatest players ever.
Best Finish: Second in 2010
Iniesta’s best Ballon d’Or finish was second in 2010, behind Messi. His role in Spain’s World Cup win and his performances for Barcelona made him a strong candidate. Even though he didn’t win, his legendary status and impact on football are undeniable.
Paolo Maldini: Defensive Stalwart
In the world of soccer, Paolo Maldini stands out as a legend. He played for AC Milan and won many titles. His best finish in the Ballon d’Or was third, in 1994 and 2003.

AC Milan’s One-Club Man
Maldini’s dedication to AC Milan is truly inspiring. He played his whole career with the team. His skills and leadership made him a key player for Milan.
Highest Rank: Third in 1994 and 2003
Maldini won many titles, but not the Ballon d’Or. His best finish was third in 1994 and 2003. This shows his consistent greatness and the respect he earned.
« Paolo Maldini is the greatest defender of all time. He was the perfect player, a true gentleman on and off the pitch. »
Maldini’s lack of a Ballon d’Or is a topic of discussion. Yet, his impact on soccer is clear. He is remembered as one of the greatest players ever.
Notable players without Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is a top honor in soccer, but many great players have not won it. These legends have made a lasting impact on the game, even without the Ballon d’Or.
Some of these players include Raul Gonzalez, Gianluigi Buffon, Samuel Eto’o, Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernandez, Roberto Carlos, Dennis Bergkamp, Franco Baresi, Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Steven Gerrard, Alessandro Del Piero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Diego Maradona.
Player | Ballon d’Or Finish | Notable Achievements |
---|---|---|
Giacinto Facchetti | 2nd (1965) | 59 points, just 8 behind Eusébio |
Luigi Riva | 2nd (1969) | 79 points, 4 behind Gianni Rivera |
Günter Netzer and Gerd Müller | 2nd (1972) | 79 points, 2 behind Franz Beckenbauer |
Rob Rensenbrink | 2nd (1976) | 75 points, 16 behind Franz Beckenbauer |
Franco Baresi | 2nd (1989) | Placed behind Marco van Basten, with Frank Rijkaard finishing 3rd |
Roberto Carlos | 2nd (2002) | 145 points, compared to Ronaldo’s 169 points |
Even without the Ballon d’Or, these players’ legacies are unmatched. They have inspired countless fans and left a lasting impact on soccer.
Xavi Hernandez: Tiki-Taka Architect
Xavi Hernandez was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s famous tiki-taka style. He was seen by many as one of the top midfielders of his time. Though he played a key role in Barcelona’s and Spain’s successes, Xavi Hernandez never won the Ballon d’Or. His best finish was third place in 2009, 2010, and 2011.

As Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Xavi controlled the pace of the game and orchestrated play. He was pivotal during Barcelona’s and Spain’s golden years, helping his club secure two La Liga titles and the Champions League. He also played a key role in Spain’s European Championship and World Cup victories.
Xavi’s patience and sense of timing made Spain the top national team. In a match against Arsenal, he made 95 passes in the first leg. In the second leg, he made 105 passes, outdoing Arsenal’s best passer by 59.
Despite his huge impact, Xavi Hernandez never got the Ballon d’Or. He was outvoted by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won it 10 times together. Xavi’s best finishes were third place in 2009, 2010, and 2011, showing his lasting excellence and the tough competition he faced.
Roberto Carlos: Attacking Full-Back
Many defenders have tried but failed to win the Ballon d’Or. Yet, full-back, Roberto Carlos came very close. He was known for his speed, powerful free-kicks, and constant attacking. Roberto Carlos changed how full-backs play today.

In 1997 and 2002, Roberto Carlos was the Ballon d’Or runner-up. He lost to Ronaldo Nazario both times. This showed his skill and how much he influenced the game. He wanted to be the first defender to win the award since Franz Beckenbauer.
Roberto Carlos played in 593 games and scored 69 goals. He was key for Brazil, playing 125 times and scoring 10 goals. He helped Brazil win the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
At Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos won four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. He raised the bar for full-backs with his attacking skills and technical ability.
Though he never won the Ballon d’Or, Roberto Carlos’ legacy as one of the greatest full-backs is secure. His impact on football will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or award has often gone to a few players. But, many soccer legends and world-class talents without it remind us of more. They show that greatness in soccer isn’t just about winning awards.
Players like Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, and defenders like Paolo Maldini, have made a huge impact. They’ve shown incredible skills and helped their teams and countries a lot.
Not winning the Ballon d’Or doesn’t mean these players are not great. It shows that awards can miss the big picture. These players have made lasting contributions to soccer, even without the trophy.
Looking at these players, we see that true greatness goes beyond awards. It’s about the lasting memories and influence they’ve had on the game.
In the end, the Ballon d’Or is just one way to recognize greatness. It’s the unforgettable moments and lasting influence of these legends that truly make them great, trophy or not.
FAQ
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is the top honor in football. It goes to the best player in the world each year.
Why have some world-class players never won the Ballon d’Or?
Players like Thierry Henry and Virgil van Dijk are incredibly talented. Yet, they’ve never won the Ballon d’Or. This is because Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the award.
What are the key criteria for consideration for the Ballon d’Or?
To be in the running for the Ballon d’Or, players must have played since 1995. The award looks at their skill, competition level, and past performances.
Who are some of the notable players who have never won the Ballon d’Or?
Notable players without a Ballon d’Or include Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta. Others are Paolo Maldini, Xavi, and Raul Gonzalez. Also, Gianluigi Buffon, Samuel Eto’o, and Iker Casillas have never won.
How close did Thierry Henry come to winning the Ballon d’Or?
Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s legend, was a runner-up twice. His closest call was in 2003, when he lost to Juventus’ Pavel Nedved.
How close did Andres Iniesta come to winning the Ballon d’Or?
Andres Iniesta, Barcelona’s star, was runner-up in 2010. He lost to Lionel Messi.
How close did Paolo Maldini come to winning the Ballon d’Or?
Paolo Maldini, AC Milan’s icon, never won the Ballon d’Or. His best finish was third, in 1994 and 2003.
How close did Xavi Hernandez come to winning the Ballon d’Or?
Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s heartbeat, never won the Ballon d’Or. His best finish was third, from 2009 to 2011.
How close did Roberto Carlos come to winning the Ballon d’Or?
Roberto Carlos, Brazil’s legend, was runner-up in 1997 and 2002. He lost to Ronaldo Nazario both times.