Here is a look at eight top footballers who never managed to win the Ballon d’Or, though some still have time!
With the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony set to be held in Paris next week, here are eight of the best footballers to have never won the prestigious individual award, with many of them overshadowed by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo!
Check Out: Mourinho: If Any Club Needs A Coach…
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most coveted individual awards in football, recognising the best player in the world each year. Despite its prestige, there are numerous footballing greats who have surprisingly never received this honour.
Neymar
Neymar, one of the most electrifying talents of his generation, has consistently dazzled fans with his flair and skill. Despite a successful career at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he has often been overshadowed by teammates, particularly Messi and Ronaldo, who dominated the Ballon d’Or during his peak years. Neymar’s individual brilliance has earned him numerous accolades, but the coveted trophy has remained just out of reach.
Xavi Hernandez
Xavi is often hailed as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. A key architect in Barcelona’s dominance during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Xavi played a pivotal role in the club’s success and the Spanish national team’s triumphs. However, despite his immense contributions, Xavi was often overshadowed by his compatriot Andres Iniesta and the prolific goalscorers of his era, which ultimately hindered his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Andres Iniesta
Much like Xavi, Iniesta was instrumental in both Barcelona’s and Spain’s successes. Known for his vision and creativity, Iniesta scored critical goals in major tournaments, including the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Despite his many accolades, including being named Best Player in Europe, he never secured the Ballon d’Or, often finishing behind Messi and Ronaldo, who were frequently the frontrunners.
Luis Suarez
Suarez has been one of the most prolific strikers in football history. His time at Liverpool and Barcelona showcased his goalscoring prowess and ability to change games. Suarez won the European Golden Shoe multiple times and was pivotal in helping Barcelona secure numerous titles. However, like many of his contemporaries, he faced stiff competition from Messi and Ronaldo, which often overshadowed his own remarkable achievements.
Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski has been a goalscoring machine for over a decade, particularly with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His exceptional performances have earned him numerous individual awards, including the FIFA Best Men’s Player prize. Despite his outstanding numbers and consistent performances, Lewandowski was another striker overlooked during the Messi-Ronaldo era, which left him without a Ballon d’Or to his name, although many believe he should have been handed the award in 2020, the year the organisers of the event controversially decided to cancel the ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kylian Mbappe
The Frenchman, one of the brightest stars in football today, has already achieved considerable success at a young age, including a FIFA World Cup victory with France in 2018. His incredible speed and technical ability made him a standout player at Paris Saint-Germain. However, being at the same time as established stars like Messi and Ronaldo, and later contenders such as Erling Haaland, has made it difficult for him to claim the Ballon d’Or just yet, although he remains a strong candidate for the future.
Thierry Henry
Henry is often regarded as one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history. His skill and scoring ability made him a fan favourite at Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. Despite winning the Premier League Player of the Season on two occasions, the Ballon d’Or eluded him, often overshadowed by other forwards during his career, including the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Check Out: Mayele ‘Suddenly’ Leaves Pyramids Camp
Paolo Maldini
Maldini is synonymous with defensive excellence and longevity in football. His illustrious career at AC Milan saw him win multiple UEFA Champions League titles and domestic trophies, establishing him as one of the greatest defenders in history. However, the Ballon d’Or has historically favoured attacking players, making it difficult for defensive stalwarts like Maldini to be recognised. Despite his remarkable career, he never received the individual honour.
.