Few honors in football carry as much weight as the Ballon d’Or. Since 1956, Ballon d’Or winners have represented the very best individual talent the sport has to offer. However, the award has changed a lot over the decades, in how it’s voted, who’s eligible, and what counts as true greatness on the pitch.
In this guide, we break down the biggest names among Ballon d’Or winners, how the voting process actually works, and some of the record-setting moments that have defined the award’s history.
The Most Decorated Ballon d’Or Winner
No player has dominated the list of Ballon d’Or winners quite like Lionel Messi. He holds a record eight wins, far ahead of any other player in the award’s history. His dominance spans over a decade, cementing his place as the most awarded player the sport has ever seen.
How the Voting Process Works
Ballon d’Or winners are chosen through a global voting system. Roughly 100 journalists from the top FIFA-ranked nations each rank their top 10 players. Points are awarded from 15 down to 1 based on ranking, and the totals are compared to determine the winner.
Starting in 2022, the process shifted again. The award moved to a season-based evaluation period, judged by a panel of specialist journalists rather than a broader international press vote.
Key Eligibility Rules
One common question is whether a player needs to play in Europe to win. The answer is no. Rules introduced in 2007 opened the door for players outside Europe’s top leagues to be considered. Messi’s 2023 win while playing for Inter Miami confirmed this rule still applies today.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or
The Women’s Ballon d’Or began in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg becoming the award’s first-ever winner. Since then, it has grown into one of the most prestigious honors in the women’s game, following many of the same voting principles as the men’s award.
Historic Firsts and Milestones
Ballon d’Or history is full of milestones beyond just win totals:
- First winner: Stanley Matthews, in 1956.
- First goalkeeper winner: Lev Yashin, in 1963.
- No award in 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Most winners by club: Barcelona and Real Madrid, tied at 12 each.
These moments highlight how the award has evolved while still recognizing excellence across every era of the sport.
Selection Criteria
Ballon d’Or winners aren’t chosen on stats alone. Voting panels weigh three main factors:
- Individual performance
- Team success
- Conduct, both on and off the pitch
This is also why the award isn’t limited to forwards. Past Ballon d’Or winners have included defenders, midfielders, and even a goalkeeper, proving that all-around excellence matters more than position or goal count.
The 2025 Winners
The most recent Ballon d’Or winners were Ousmane Dembélé on the men’s side and Aitana Bonmatí on the women’s side, both recognized for standout seasons at the highest level of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the voting process work?
Roughly 100 journalists from the top FIFA-ranked nations each rank their top 10 players, with points awarded from 15 down to 1 and totals compared to determine the winner.
Can a player win without playing in Europe?
Yes. Rules introduced in 2007 permit this, as confirmed by Messi’s 2023 win while at Inter Miami.
When did the Women’s Ballon d’Or begin?
2018, with Ada Hegerberg as the first winner.
Who was the first Ballon d’Or winner?
Stanley Matthews, in 1956.
Has a goalkeeper ever won?
Yes, Lev Yashin, in 1963.
Why was there no award in 2020?
It was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the award only for forwards?
No, winners have included defenders, midfielders, and a goalkeeper.
Conclusion
Ballon d’Or winners capture something essential about football: individual brilliance elevating a team sport. From Stanley Matthews to Ousmane Dembélé, these players have defined era after era of the game. As the award continues to evolve alongside football itself, it remains as much a celebration of excellence as it is a source of passionate debate among fans.
