10 top players that never won the Ballon D’Or award
Football’s highest accolade, the Ballon d’Or award, has been eluded from these top 10 players that have graced the round leather game.
Though, it has also been awarded to some of the sport’s most iconic and top players. In fact, Lionel Messi won the award for a record 8 times, while Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed it 5 times.
However, there are also legendary players who, despite their outstanding contributions, have been denied this prestigious honour.
Hence, this article highlights the top 10 players who astonishingly never won the Ballon d’Or award.
Andres Iniesta
The Spanish midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest playmakers of his generation. Iniesta enjoyed immense success during his time at Barcelona, winning numerous La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and Champions League titles. He also played a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph in 2010 and their back-to-back European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012.
Frank Lampard
The English midfielder is one of the all-time greats of the Premier League. Lampard won multiple league titles, FA Cups, and the Champions League with Chelsea. He is the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer and has won numerous individual awards, but the Ballon D’Or has remained elusive.
Clarence Seedorf
The Dutch midfielder is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game. Seedorf won numerous league titles and Champions League trophies with clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. He also had a successful international career with the Netherlands, helping them reach the World Cup final in 1998.
Paolo Maldini
The Italian defender is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time. Maldini won numerous Serie A titles and Champions League trophies with AC Milan. He also had a successful international career with Italy, winning the European Championship in 1988.
Thierry Henry
The French striker is considered one of the best forwards of his era. Henry enjoyed a successful career at clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, where he won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and La Liga titles. He also won the World Cup with France in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. With a career spanning more than two decades across 5 clubs, the 47-year-old, who called it quit from the round leather game in 2014, scored 366 goals in 813 games. Though, he was the runner-up of the the award in 2003 behind Pavel Nedved, and also finished third in 2006.
Andrea Pirlo
The Italian midfielder was known for his elegant style of play and precise passing. Pirlo won numerous Serie A titles with AC Milan and Juventus, as well as the Champions League with Milan. He was a key player for the Italian national team, helping them win the World Cup in 2006.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The Swedish striker is known for his unique playing style and incredible goal-scoring ability. Ibrahimovic has won league titles in multiple countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and England. He has also been named to the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season multiple times and has won numerous individual awards, but the Ballon D’Or has eluded him.
Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan striker has been one of the most prolific goal-scorers in European football over the past decade. Suarez enjoyed success at clubs like Ajax, Liverpool, and Barcelona, winning multiple league titles, domestic cups, and the Champions League. He also won the Copa America with Uruguay in 2011.
Arjen Robben
The Dutch winger was known for his blistering pace and ability to cut inside and score goals. Robben won league titles with clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, as well as the Champions League with Bayern. He was also a key player for the Dutch national team, helping them reach the World Cup final in 2010.
Samuel Eto’o
The Cameroonian striker is known for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility on the field. Eto’o won multiple league titles and Champions League trophies with clubs like Barcelona and Inter Milan. He also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon and was named African Player of the Year multiple times.
