The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, but even the greatest Football Legends have sometimes been denied this honor. Many Football Legends achieved incredible success, yet never lifted the golden ball due to stiff competition from Messi, Ronaldo, or other contemporaries. This article highlights the top 10 Football Legends who have left an indelible mark on the game but were unlucky to miss out on the Ballon d’Or.
10. Franck Ribery
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 3rd (2013)
- Clubs: Bayern Munich
- Nation: France
Franck Ribery is one of the Football Legends who came agonizingly close to winning the Ballon d’Or. In 2013, he led Bayern Munich to a historic treble, dominating the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League. Despite being the season’s standout performer, Ribery finished third, overshadowed by Messi and Ronaldo. Football Legends like Ribery often define their era with sheer talent and consistency, and his omission sparked debates among football fans worldwide.
Ribery’s pace, dribbling, and creativity made him a constant threat. As a Football Legend, his ability to combine vision with goalscoring prowess made him crucial in decisive matches. Though the Ballon d’Or eluded him, Ribery’s performances cemented his legacy among Football Legends who have shaped modern football. His influence remains undeniable, demonstrating that even Football Legends can miss out on the most coveted individual award.
9. Andrea Pirlo
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 5th (2007)
- Clubs: AC Milan, Juventus
- Nation: Italy
Andrea Pirlo is a Football Legend defined by elegance, vision, and unmatched passing ability. Despite his brilliance, he never finished higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Known as the midfield maestro, Pirlo guided Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and enjoyed Champions League success with AC Milan. Yet, in an era dominated by attackers, his influence was overlooked.
Pirlo controlled games with his intelligence and calmness under pressure. He wasn’t the player who scored or assisted most, but he orchestrated play in ways few others could. His free-kicks and long-range passes were works of art, making him a purist’s favorite. Even without the Ballon d’Or, Pirlo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest midfielders is secure.
8. Gianluigi Buffon
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 2nd (2006)
- Clubs: Juventus
- Nation: Italy
Gianluigi Buffon is a Football Legend whose remarkable career as a goalkeeper saw him approach Ballon d’Or glory. The legendary Italian finished second in 2006 after winning the World Cup with Italy, the closest a goalkeeper has come to winning since Lev Yashin in 1963. Buffon’s inclusion among Football Legends underscores his unmatched longevity and influence.
Football Legends like Buffon command respect for their leadership and consistency. For over two decades, Buffon dominated Serie A, guided Juventus, and showcased incredible shot-stopping ability. While Football Legends rarely get individual accolades compared to forwards, Buffon’s legacy demonstrates that even those Football Legends without a Ballon d’Or can inspire generations.
7. Neymar
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 3rd (2015, 2017)
- Clubs: Barcelona, PSG
- Nation: Brazil
Neymar is a Football Legend many thought would dominate after Messi and Ronaldo. Blessed with flair, creativity, and a killer instinct, Neymar reached the Ballon d’Or podium twice but never higher than third. His time at Barcelona saw him form the iconic MSN trio with Messi and Suarez, while his PSG move made him the world’s most expensive player.
Despite his immense talent, Neymar’s career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He has delivered magical moments for club and country, but the ultimate prize eluded him. With younger stars now rising, Neymar’s chance of winning has faded, yet his impact and artistry remain unforgettable in football history.
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6. Wesley Sneijder
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 4th (2010)
- Clubs: Inter Milan, Real Madrid
- Nation: Netherlands
Wesley Sneijder is often cited as one of the biggest Ballon d’Or injustices. In 2010, he won the treble with Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho and reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands, yet he finished only fourth. Many Football Legends have voiced support for Sneijder, claiming his snub was undeserved.
At his peak, Sneijder was a complete playmaker, capable of dictating matches with vision, passing, and goals. His role in Inter’s Champions League triumph was instrumental, and his World Cup performances proved his world-class quality. The fact he didn’t even make the Ballon d’Or podium that year remains one of football’s greatest mysteries.
5. Luis Suarez
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 4th (2016)
- Clubs: Liverpool, Barcelona
- Nation: Uruguay
Luis Suarez is a Football Legend whose finishing and intelligence make him one of the most prolific strikers in history. Despite scoring decisive goals and winning the European Golden Shoe at Liverpool, Suarez never claimed the Ballon d’Or. Football Legends like him often face stiff competition from contemporaries, limiting their chances for individual awards.
Football Legends such as Suarez are remembered for their ability to decide critical games. At Barcelona, Suarez played alongside Messi and Neymar, forming one of football’s deadliest trios. Even without a Ballon d’Or, Football Legends recognize Suarez’s exceptional contributions and goals, ensuring his legendary status in football history.
4. Xavi Hernandez
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 3rd (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Clubs: Barcelona
- Nation: Spain
Xavi Hernandez was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s golden era and a Football Legend admired for his intelligence and passing. Despite his unmatched control of the midfield, he never finished higher than third in the Ballon d’Or rankings, always behind Messi or Ronaldo.
His ability to dictate tempo, retain possession, and create space for teammates made Barcelona and Spain dominant forces. Xavi was crucial in Spain’s Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012 triumphs, yet individual glory always eluded him. His legacy, however, is untouchable as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
3. Paolo Maldini
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 3rd (1994, 2003)
- Clubs: AC Milan
- Nation: Italy
Paolo Maldini is arguably the greatest defender of all time, a Football Legend who spent his entire career at AC Milan. He won five Champions League titles and seven Serie A titles, yet never claimed the Ballon d’Or. His best finishes were third in 1994 and 2003.
Maldini combined elegance, tactical awareness, and leadership. His ability to play both as a left-back and central defender made him versatile and consistent over 25 years. The fact that he never won the Ballon d’Or highlights how defenders are often undervalued compared to attacking players.
2. Thierry Henry
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 2nd (2003)
- Clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona
- Nation: France
Thierry Henry is a Premier League and Arsenal legend, regarded as one of the greatest strikers in history. In 2003, he was the most productive player in Europe but controversially lost the Ballon d’Or to Pavel Nedved. This remains one of the award’s most debated decisions.
Henry won the World Cup, European Championship, and dominated English football with record-breaking goals. His style, elegance, and consistency make him one of the greatest Football Legends. The absence of a Ballon d’Or in his collection is one of the award’s biggest oversights.
1. Andres Iniesta
- Best Ballon d’Or finish: 2nd (2010)
- Clubs: Barcelona
- Nation: Spain
Andres Iniesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in history and a Football Legend whose brilliance transcended statistics. In 2010, he scored the winning goal in the World Cup final for Spain, yet still lost the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi.
Iniesta’s vision, dribbling, and intelligence made him the soul of Barcelona and Spain during their golden eras. He won every major honor at club and international level, but individual recognition eluded him. For many fans, Iniesta is the greatest player never to win the Ballon d’Or.
FAQs
Who is the greatest Football Legend never to win the Ballon d’Or?
Many believe Andres Iniesta tops this list, especially after his 2010 World Cup-winning goal.
Why do defenders and goalkeepers rarely win the Ballon d’Or?
The award has historically favored attacking players, making it hard for defensive Football Legends like Maldini or Buffon to win.
Did Thierry Henry deserve the Ballon d’Or in 2003?
Yes, Henry’s stats and performances outshone Pavel Nedved, but politics and preference for different styles cost him the trophy.
How many Football Legends in this list played for Barcelona?
Several, including Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar, Suarez, and Henry, highlighting the club’s influence on football greatness.
Will future Football Legends break this trend?
It’s possible, especially with evolving recognition for midfielders and defenders, but history shows attackers are still most likely.