Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has become one of football’s most prestigious individual honours, recognising the world’s best players.
Also known as the Golden Ball, the annual award is presented by France Football to recognise outstanding individual performances in football.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday, October 26, at a ceremony at London’s Palladium Theatre, marking the first time the event will be held in the British capital.
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In 2025, France international and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé won the award. He is again among the contenders for this year’s prize, alongside Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Vitinha.
However, when it comes to the number of men’s Ballon d’Or trophies won, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand above the rest. The pair collected 13 awards between them during an era of unprecedented individual dominance.
Messi leads the all-time rankings with eight wins, while Ronaldo has claimed five. Their achievements set them apart from other football greats, including Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten, who each won the award three times.
The men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist comprises 30 players selected ahead of the ceremony. A panel of international journalists then ranks the nominees, with their votes determining the winner.
Players with multiple Men’s Ballon d’Or wins
Player Number of wins Years won
Lionel Messi 8 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo 5 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
Michel Platini 3 1983, 1984, 1985
Johan Cruyff 3 1971, 1973, 1974
Marco van Basten 3 1988, 1989, 1992
Alfredo Di Stéfano 2 1957, 1959
Franz Beckenbauer 2 1972, 1976
Kevin Keegan 2 1978, 1979
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 2 1980, 1981
Ronaldo Nazário 2 1997, 2002
Key historical milestones
First winner (1956): England forward Stanley Matthews became the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner while playing for Blackpool.
First non-European winner (1995): Liberian international George Weah won the award while playing for AC Milan, following a change in eligibility rules that allowed non-European players representing European clubs to compete.
Only goalkeeper winner (1963): Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to have won the men’s Ballon d’Or.
Super Ballon d’Or (1989): Alfredo Di Stéfano received the special award, which has been presented only once, recognising his standing among the greatest players of the preceding decades.
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