Messi Leads Ballon d’Or Winners with Record Eight Victories

The Ballon d’Or remains football’s most coveted individual accolade, with Lionel Messi establishing an unprecedented record that may never be matched. The Argentine maestro has claimed the golden ball eight times throughout his illustrious career, setting a benchmark that places him firmly at the summit of football’s elite performers.

Messi’s Historic Achievement Spans Over a Decade

Messi’s Ballon d’Or victories came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and most recently in 2023. This remarkable span demonstrates his sustained excellence across different stages of his career, from his Barcelona dominance to his World Cup triumph with Argentina. His unique combination of playmaking brilliance and goal-scoring prowess has consistently set him apart from his contemporaries.

Cristiano Ronaldo follows as the second-most successful player, having won the award five times during his career peaks at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and beyond. The Portuguese superstar’s victories highlight the intense rivalry that has defined modern football’s golden era.

The Elite Circle of Multiple Winners

The complete list of players with multiple Ballon d’Or victories showcases football’s greatest talents across generations. Beyond Messi and Ronaldo, legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten each claimed three awards, while players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Franz Beckenbauer, and Ronaldinho secured two victories each.

These statistics underscore the extraordinary difficulty of winning football’s premier individual honor even once, making Messi’s eight triumphs all the more remarkable. As the 2025 Ballon d’Or approaches, the football world continues to celebrate these exceptional achievements that have shaped the sport’s modern history.