You know, the Ballon d’Or is like a real gem in the world of football. It’s been around since 1956 when France Football magazine started handing it out. This award is a mark of greatness, a way of saying, “Hey, I’m one of the best in the history of this beautiful game.
Now, while the players are the ones who earn this honor with their stellar performances on the field, it’s not just about them. The teams they play for also play a big role in their victory. Those ‘European elites’ usually snatch up the trophy, with the ‘underdog’ teams rarely seeing their stars get that glittering Ballon d’Or.
Over the years, more than 50 Ballon d’Or awards have been given out. So, let’s take a look at which football clubs have had the most Ballon d’Or winners over the years.
Let’s talk about which football clubs have the most Ballon d’Or winners
10. Ajax – 1
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Well, isn’t it interesting that Ajax, known for their amazing football academy and producing some of the game’s greatest talents, has only had one Ballon d’Or winner? And that honor went to none other than the legendary Johan Cruyff back in 1971. It was a season when he played a pivotal role in helping Ajax secure the European Cup (Champions League). I mean, he scored a whopping 17 goals and dished out seven assists in just 22 games that season – it’s no wonder he clinched the Ballon d’Or.
9. Hamburg – 2
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Back in the late 1970s, Hamburg was a real powerhouse in German football. And leading the charge for them was the fantastic Kevin Keegan, who continued his outstanding form even after his time at Liverpool. Keegan did something truly remarkable by winning the Ballon d’Or not once, but twice, in 1978 and 1979, all while playing for the German side. He even helped them secure the Bundesliga title in 1978-79. This silky-smooth center-forward scored a bunch of goals during that period and played some mesmerizing football, which totally convinced the folks at the French Football jury to hand him those back-to-back trophies.
8. Inter Milan – 2
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Inter Milan, a true heavyweight in Italian football with over a century of history, has had its fair share of success. However, when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, they’ve seen just two of their players clinch the prestigious title.
The first to do so was Lothar Matthaus back in 1990. Interestingly, his win was heavily influenced by his fantastic performance in Germany’s FIFA World Cup victory.
And then there’s Ronaldo Nazario, who added another Ballon d’Or to Inter’s collection in 1997. But here’s the twist – both of these players owe their wins to their remarkable contributions elsewhere. Matthaus’s award came on the heels of his outstanding work in the World Cup, while Ronaldo’s victory was thanks to his pivotal role in helping Barcelona secure the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Cup Winners Cup during the 1996-97 season.
7. Dynamo Kyiv – 2
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Dynamo Kyiv was quite a force to be reckoned with in European football during the ’70s and ’80s, and they had two players who managed to snatch the Ballon d’Or in rather unexpected fashion.
First up, the Ukrainian legend Oleg Blokhin, who bagged the trophy by scoring a whopping 28 goals in just 42 appearances during the 1974-75 season. Not to mention, he played a significant role in Dynamo Kyiv’s victory in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Now, in 1986, another Dynamo Kyiv player, the legendary midfielder Igor Belanov, claimed the Ballon d’Or. He too played a pivotal role in inspiring the team to Cup Winners’ Cup glory and scored 14 goals in 32 appearances for the club. These guys really left their mark on the football world.
6. Manchester United – 4
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You know, Manchester United has seen some of the most legendary number 7 players in the history of football. It’s no wonder that half of their Ballon d’Or winners were extraordinary wingers.
Their journey with the Ballon d’Or began with striker Denis Law in 1964. This man was on fire, scoring an incredible 46 goals in just 42 appearances for the Red Devils during the 1963-64 season!
Then came the iconic Bobby Charlton, who claimed the trophy in 1966. His win was greatly influenced by his exceptional role in helping England secure the FIFA World Cup that same year.
And let’s not forget George Best, who completed the set of wins for the ‘United Trinity’ in 1968. He was a sensation, scoring 32 goals across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in Manchester United’s first-ever European Cup (Champions League) victory.
Fast forward four decades, and you’ve got Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon d’Or for Manchester United in 2008. He was a scoring machine, bagging 42 goals in all competitions and helping the Red Devils achieve the European double that season. Quite a remarkable journey for these players and the club.
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5. Bayern Munich – 5
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Well, when you think about the greatest German club in history, Bayern Munich is right there at the top. It’s no surprise that they hold the record for the most Ballon d’Or winners among Bundesliga teams, with a total of five.
These Ballon d’Or victories are shared among three German legends – Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The journey began with Gerd Muller in 1970, a season where he scored a jaw-dropping 52 goals, including 10 in the World Cup for Germany. Talk about a scoring machine!
Franz Beckenbauer followed in 1972, a season when he helped Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title and led the German national team to victory in the UEFA Euros.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge then took the torch, winning the Ballon d’Or in consecutive years, 1980 and 1981. He was instrumental in Bayern’s back-to-back Bundesliga titles, with a combined total of 75 goals over those two seasons. Bayern Munich sure has a rich history of football greatness.
4. AC Milan – 8
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AC Milan, despite facing some tough times in recent years, has always been a giant in European football. They’ve produced some of the best players in the history of the sport, and that’s reflected in their impressive count of eight Ballon d’Or winners.
Their journey with the Ballon d’Or began with Gianni Rivera, who played a pivotal role in AC Milan’s European Cup (Champions League) win during the 1968-69 season.
Then, there was a bit of a gap until Ruud Gullit’s remarkable performances for PSV earned him the award in 1987, nearly two decades later.
Marco van Basten came in like a whirlwind, winning the award in consecutive years, 1988 and 1989. He played a massive part in Milan’s back-to-back Champions League triumphs and netted a stunning 40 goals over two campaigns. He clinched it again in 1992 for his 29 goals in all competitions.
In 1995, George Weah made history as the only African player to win the award, but that was mainly for his sensational stint at PSG.
AC Milan’s most recent Ballon d’Or winner was Andriy Shevchenko in 2004. His win came in a season when he helped Milan secure Serie A and scored an impressive 28 goals. Milan’s legacy in the world of football is truly remarkable.
3. Juventus – 8
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Juventus, the powerhouse of Italian football, has quite the impressive history with eight Ballon d’Or winners.
Their Ballon d’Or journey kicked off with the legendary Omar Sivori in 1961, but the real dominance began in the early ’80s. Juventus players managed to secure four consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 1982 to 1985. Paolo Rossi earned one for his brilliant display in Italy’s 1982 World Cup victory, and then came the iconic Michel Platini, who pulled off a hat-trick of wins.
Platini was something else, helping Juventus claim two Scudettos, the European Cup (Champions League), and averaging over 25 goals per season as a midfielder.
The divine ponytail, Roberto Baggio, joined the list in 1993 when he aided Juventus in winning the UEFA Cup and scored a whopping 30 goals in all competitions.
In 1998, the majestic Zinedine Zidane earned his first Ballon d’Or for his outstanding contributions for both club and country.
And the last time Juventus had a Ballon d’Or winner was in 2003, when Pavel Nedved wowed the football world with his majestic performances. Juventus has indeed been a hub for football excellence over the years.
2. Real Madrid – 12
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Real Madrid, arguably the greatest football club in history, stands at second place in the Ballon d’Or winners’ tally with an impressive 12 titles to their name.
The journey began with Real Madrid players clinching three of the first four Ballon d’Or titles. Among them, iconic striker Alfredo Di Stefano secured two, and midfielder Raymond Kopa nabbed one. But after Di Stefano’s win in 1959, there was a four-decade gap until the next Ballon d’Or winner emerged, and that was Luis Figo in 2000. Interestingly, his win was influenced by his exceptional performances for FC Barcelona in the season before.
In 2002, Ronaldo Nazario earned the honor, thanks to his remarkable contribution to Brazil’s World Cup victory. Fabio Cannavaro followed suit in 2006 for his inspiring role in Italy’s World Cup success.
Then came the era of the Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who secured the Ballon d’Or four times in just five years, from 2013 to 2017. It was a period when he led Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles, La Liga victories, and shattered numerous goal-scoring records.
Luka Modric made a significant impact in 2018, breaking the Ronaldo-Messi dominance and becoming the last Ballon d’Or winner from Los Blancos.
And finally, in 2022, Karim Benzema took home the award, tying with their El Clasico rivals for the number one spot in terms of Ballon d’Or winners. Real Madrid’s legacy in football is truly remarkable.
1. FC Barcelona – 12 wins
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FC Barcelona, just edging out their rivals, holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or winners in history, with six players racking up a total of 12 trophies.
Their journey with the Ballon d’Or began with Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez in 1960. He took home the award after playing a pivotal role in Barcelona’s La Liga victory and delivering a standout performance throughout the season.
Johan Cruyff followed up in style, winning the trophy consecutively in 1973 and 1974. His contribution to the club during that time is often regarded as some of the best football the world has seen, and it led to another league victory in 1973-74.
Fast forward two decades, and Bulgarian winger Hristo Stoichkov stepped into the spotlight, clinching the trophy in 1994. Stoichkov scored an impressive 24 goals and played a key role in Barcelona’s league victory.
Then came the Brazilian legend Rivaldo, securing the Ballon d’Or five years later in 1999. His brilliant performances helped Barcelona secure another league title, and he scored an impressive 29 goals in all competitions.
Another Brazilian wizard, Ronaldinho, won the award in 2004, wowing fans with his extraordinary skills on the pitch.
And then there’s the Lionel Messi era. Messi dominated the Ballon d’Or, winning it four times in a row from 2009 to 2012, and then adding two more victories in 2015 and 2019. His exceptional contributions helped Barcelona soar to the top of the Ballon d’Or winners’ chart, leaving a remarkable legacy for the club.
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Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or, with its rich history and illustrious winners, is a testament to the brilliance of football’s finest. From the likes of Luis Suarez to Johan Cruyff, from the magic of Ronaldinho to the unmatched reign of Lionel Messi, this prestigious award has celebrated the very best in the world of soccer.
As we’ve journeyed through the top clubs and their Ballon d’Or laureates, we’ve witnessed the glorious moments, the historic triumphs, and the unforgettable performances that have graced the beautiful game. Each player, each club, etching their names in the annals of football history.
From Real Madrid to FC Barcelona, from Milan to Manchester United, and all the way to Dynamo Kyiv and Ajax, these clubs have not only tasted the sweet success of victory but have also nurtured the dreams of aspiring footballers around the globe.
The Ballon d’Or, with its golden glow, serves as a beacon, a reminder that excellence and sheer talent know no boundaries. It transcends nations, transcends eras, and bridges the gaps between generations of football fans. It’s a celebration of the passion, the dedication, and the magic that defines this sport.
So, as we conclude our journey through the Ballon d’Or winners and the clubs that have shaped this illustrious history, let’s continue to revel in the magic of football and eagerly await the next chapter of this incredible tale. The pitch is set, the players are ready, and the beautiful game continues to weave its spell, inspiring us all, one match, one goal, and one Ballon d’Or at a time.
FAQs
How many Ballon d or winners does Bayern have?
Bayern’s players have really made their mark on the football world, gathering quite the collection of awards. Among their achievements, you’ll find five Ballon d’Or awards, two The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, four European Golden Shoe awards, and three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, which even includes the prestigious UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. It’s a testament to the immense talent that has graced the Bayern Munich team over the years.
Who is Ballon d or King of Football?
Lionel Messi, the maestro of football, has clinched the Ballon d’Or an astounding seven times, a record that’s stood unchallenged. Not far behind is the ever-magnificent Cristiano Ronaldo, who’s held the prestigious trophy five times.
But the story doesn’t end there. On October 30, 2023, the FIFA World Cup winner, Messi, added yet another gleaming piece to his already crowded trophy cabinet. The grand occasion took place at the Theatre du Chatelet in the heart of Paris, on a Monday night filled with anticipation and celebration. It was a remarkable eighth Ballon d’Or win for the Argentine legend, solidifying his status as one of the greatest to ever grace the world of football.
How many Chelsea players have won the Ballon d Or?
No Chelsea player has ever won the Balloon d’Or award
Has Messi won the Ballon d’Or every year?
Lionel Messi Claims His 8th Ballon d’Or Award, Cementing His Place as the Year’s Top Soccer Player. PARIS — The years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and now, the latest addition in 2023.
Who is the only black to win Ballon d Or?
In 1995, thanks to his outstanding performances with both Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, George Weah’s trophy cabinet saw a remarkable haul. He proudly received the prestigious Ballon d’Or, the equally coveted Onze d’Or, and was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year. This extraordinary achievement made history, as he became the first and, to this day, the only African player, based on FIFA nationality, to claim these illustrious awards. It’s a testament to his exceptional talent and the heights he reached in the world of football.