Introduction
Winning the Ballon d’Or is the ultimate individual honor in soccer. It recognizes the best player in the world for that year. Legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane have all won it. But some of the greatest players in history never received this award.
Many were unlucky, playing in eras dominated by others. Some were overlooked despite incredible seasons. Others were simply victims of the voting system. Let’s take a look at the best soccer players who never won the Ballon d’Or.
Leonardo Bonucci: The Warrior of Italian Defense
Paolo Maldini – The Defensive Icon
Maldini spent his entire career at AC Milan, becoming one of the greatest defenders ever. He won five Champions League titles and multiple league trophies. His defensive intelligence, leadership, and longevity were unmatched.
But defenders rarely win the Ballon d’Or. Since its creation in 1956, only one pure defender—Fabio Cannavaro—has won it. Maldini finished third in 1994 and 2003, but never took the top prize.
His consistency and success deserved a Ballon d’Or. Many believe he was the greatest defender never to win the award.
Thierry Henry – The Premier League Legend
Thierry Henry was the complete forward. He was fast, skillful, and a lethal finisher. His time at Arsenal saw him win two Premier League titles, including the famous Invincibles season in 2003-04.
In 2003, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Pavel Nedvěd. Many felt Henry deserved it more, given his incredible performances that year. He also played a key role in France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories.
Despite his dominance in England and Europe, he never won the Ballon d’Or. It remains one of the biggest injustices in football history.
Xavi – The Midfield Maestro
Xavi was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s golden era and Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012. His passing, vision, and control of the game were unmatched.
He was crucial in Spain’s Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 victories. He also won multiple Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona.
But he played in the era of Messi and Ronaldo. He finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Despite his influence on the game, he never won the award.
Andrés Iniesta – The Genius Behind Spain’s Success
If Xavi deserved a Ballon d’Or, so did Iniesta. He was one of the most technically gifted players ever. His ability to control games and create chances was world-class.
His most iconic moment came in the 2010 World Cup final, where he scored the winning goal for Spain. He also won multiple Champions League titles with Barcelona.
Iniesta came close in 2010, finishing second behind Lionel Messi. Many felt his World Cup heroics should have won him the award.
Robert Lewandowski – The Goal Machine
Robert Lewandowski dominated European football for years. His goal-scoring ability was incredible, and he led Bayern Munich to countless titles.
In 2020, he was the clear favorite to win the Ballon d’Or. He had won the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal, scoring over 50 goals that season.
But the award was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many fans believe Lewandowski was robbed of his rightful Ballon d’Or. He finished second in 2021, but never won it.
Raúl – Real Madrid’s Forgotten Star
Raúl was a symbol of Real Madrid’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He scored over 300 goals for the club and won three Champions League titles.
In 2001, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Michael Owen. Many felt he deserved to win, considering his consistency and leadership.
Despite being one of the best forwards of his era, he never got the individual recognition he deserved.
Franck Ribéry – The 2013 Controversy
Franck Ribéry was unstoppable in 2013. He led Bayern Munich to the treble, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
Many believed he was the best player in the world that year. But he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting, behind Ronaldo and Messi.
Ribéry was furious, calling the voting system unfair. His teammates also felt he was robbed. To this day, many consider him the rightful 2013 Ballon d’Or winner.
How to Train for Soccer in Cold Weather Conditions
Arjen Robben – The Clutch Performer
Robben was known for his deadly left foot and big-game performances. His most famous moment came in 2013, when he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final for Bayern Munich.
He was one of the best wingers of his generation, terrorizing defenses for over a decade. But injuries and tough competition prevented him from ever winning a Ballon d’Or.
Gianluigi Buffon – The Goalkeeping Legend
Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers in history. His reflexes, leadership, and shot-stopping ability were second to none.
He won multiple Serie A titles and a World Cup with Italy in 2006. That year, he finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, losing to Cannavaro.
No goalkeeper has won the award since Lev Yashin in 1963. If any deserved it, Buffon was the one.
Neymar – The Eternal Runner-Up
Neymar has always been in the shadow of Messi and Ronaldo. He has the skill, creativity, and talent to win a Ballon d’Or, but never has.
At Barcelona, he formed a deadly trio with Messi and Suárez, winning the 2015 Champions League. He also led Brazil to their 2016 Olympic gold medal.
Injuries and inconsistent form have held him back. He has finished third in the voting twice (2015 and 2017), but time is running out for him to win one.
Eric Cantona – The King Without a Crown
Eric Cantona changed English football. He was the driving force behind Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s. His leadership and skill made him a legend.
However, his controversial personality and short international career meant he never won the Ballon d’Or. Despite his brilliance, he was never truly considered for the award.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or is prestigious, but it doesn’t always go to the most deserving player. Many legends have missed out, whether due to bad luck, strong competition, or unfair voting.
Maldini, Henry, Xavi, Iniesta, and Lewandowski were all worthy winners. Their careers prove that you don’t need a Ballon d’Or to be considered a legend.
Who do you think was the best player to never win the Ballon d’Or? Let us know!
The Syrian Premier League: Resilience and Passion Amidst Adversity
Keep the conversation going! Follow Soccer Wizdom on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more soccer insights and updates.