First, it’s crucial to understand that neither Pele nor Diego Maradona could ever lay claim to the prestigious Ballon d’Or. This wasn’t due to their lack of brilliance but rather a matter of timing and eligibility. The Ballon d’Or, dating back to its inception in 1956, was initially confined to European players playing in Europe. It wasn’t until 1995 that it expanded its horizons to include players of all nationalities performing on European turf. The merger with the FIFA Player of the Year award in 2010 created the modern incarnation of this prestigious accolade. To keep things clear, our list focuses on players who, if the rules were different, could have seen their names etched in history.
1. Paolo Maldini: The Indomitable Defender
1994: Third place in Ballon d’Or, Second in FIFA World Player of the Year.
Paolo Maldini, the eternal AC Milan and Italy legend, was no stranger to being at the top. His third place in the 1994 Ballon d’Or and second place in the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year award were testimony to his enduring excellence.
Maldini’s name is synonymous with defense. He secured seven Serie A titles and a staggering five European Cups. This remarkable feat is on par with the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, surpassing even Barcelona and Manchester United in terms of European glory. Maldini’s Ballon d’Or absence remains one of football’s great mysteries.
2. Raúl González: Real Madrid’s Scoring Sensation
2001: Second place in Ballon d’Or.
Raul Gonzalez, the legendary striker of Real Madrid, holds a unique record as the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer, before it was cleaned by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Raul’s incredible goal-scoring prowess powered Real Madrid to an impressive six La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. However, despite his on-field heroics, he came tantalizingly close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2001, finishing as the runner-up to Liverpool’s Michael Owen.
3. Thierry Henry: Arsenal’s Magician
2003: Second place, 2006: Third place.
Thierry Henry, the French forward renowned for his elegance on the ball, came remarkably close to claiming the Ballon d’Or on multiple occasions.
In 2003, he secured the second spot, and in 2006, he clinched third place. Yet, the elusive title eluded him. Nevertheless, Henry’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent. He secured two Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, the coveted Champions League, three FA Cups, and etched his name as Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer.
4. Xavi: The Midfield Metronome
2008 to 2010: Consecutive third-place finishes.
Xavi Hernandez, the Spanish midfield maestro, was the strategic mastermind behind Barcelona and Spain’s successes during his era of dominance.
Although he finished third in Ballon d’Or voting for three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010, his contribution to the beautiful game was immeasurable. At 34 years old, Xavi might not be in contention anymore, but his legacy in the footballing world remains intact.
5. Ferenc Puskas: Goal-Scoring Virtuoso
1960: Second place in Ballon d’Or.
Ferenc Puskas, a name that resonates with the beauty of the game, remarkably never laid his hands on the Ballon d’Or.
His closest brush with victory came in 1960 when he secured the second spot, trailing behind Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (not the more recent one). Despite missing out on the individual accolade, Puskas’ legendary status in the world of football remains untarnished, and his feats are still the stuff of legends.
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6. Dennis Bergkamp: The Dutch Virtuoso
1992: Third place, 1993: Second place.
The stage was seemingly set for Dennis Bergkamp to claim the Ballon d’Or in 1994. However, the Netherlands’ early exit from the 1994 World Cup, at the hands of Brazil, likely extinguished his chances.
Bergkamp’s subsequent move to Arsenal introduced him to a broader audience, but he never managed to attain personal glory despite his contributions to the club. He garnered three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, but the Ballon d’Or remained just out of reach.
7. Frank Rijkaard: The Unlucky Dutchman
1988 and 1989: Third place.
Frank Rijkaard, another Dutch maestro, missed out on the Ballon d’Or due to the remarkable talents of his fellow countrymen.
Ruud Gullit won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 and was the runner-up a year later when Marco van Basten started his two consecutive reigns. Rijkaard had to settle for third place in both 1988 and 1989. His recognition may have been delayed, but his contributions to the sport were invaluable.
8. Andres Iniesta: The Modern Midfield Marvel
2010: Second place, 2012: Third place.
Scoring the winning goal in a World Cup final is a dream for any footballer. Andres Iniesta, despite being beaten into second place in the Ballon d’Or by his Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in 2010 and finishing third behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2012, has no regrets.
He stands as one of the game’s modern greats, and while he may still have a glimmer of hope to claim the Ballon d’Or one day, his achievements speak volumes. His playmaking abilities and class on the field continue to inspire generations of aspiring footballers.
9. Franco Baresi: AC Milan’s Defensive Pillar
1989: Second place in Ballon d’Or.
Much like Maldini, Franco Baresi was an AC Milan and Italy defensive stalwart and a one-club man. In 1989, he came second in Ballon d’Or voting, the same year he captained Milan to the first of his three European Cups.
Baresi’s illustrious career also featured six Serie A titles and the 1982 World Cup victory, highlighting his irreplaceable role in one of Europe’s greatest teams.
10. Kenny Dalglish: Liverpool’s Scottish Icon
1983: Second place.
Kenny Dalglish, the Scottish legend of Liverpool, achieved immense success during his career.
In 1983, he secured the second spot in Ballon d’Or voting, a year in which he claimed the fourth of his six league titles with Liverpool. Additionally, he clinched three European Cups, cementing his place among the greatest players to emerge from Britain.
11. Eric Cantona: Manchester United’s Enigmatic Leader
1993: Third place.
Eric Cantona, the iconic Manchester United talisman, had an unmistakable presence both on and off the field. In 1993, he finished in third place in Ballon d’Or rankings, trailing behind Roberto Baggio and Dennis Bergkamp.
Cantona played a pivotal role in inspiring Manchester United to their first Premier League title in the competition’s inaugural season in its modern format. This triumph marked the beginning of United’s domestic dominance, and Cantona’s flair captured the hearts of fans at Old Trafford. His four Premier League titles and the adoration of thousands are a testament to his lasting impact on the club.
12. Gianluigi Buffon: The Goalkeeping Great
2006: Second place.
In the realm of football, goalkeepers seldom receive the same recognition as their outfield counterparts. Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, came tantalizingly close to breaking this trend in 2006.
As the last line of defense for the Italy national team, Buffon played a crucial role in their World Cup victory. His performances were nothing short of exceptional, earning him a second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or that year. His captain and central-defensive partner, Fabio Cannavaro, narrowly beat him to the top spot, but Buffon’s influence and ability in the goalpost were undeniable.
13. Oliver Kahn: The German Goalkeeping Giant
2001 and 2002: Third place.
Oliver Kahn, the towering presence in the German goal, was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper globally during the turn of the century.
In both 2001 and 2002, he secured third place in Ballon d’Or rankings. In 2001, Kahn won the Champions League, and the following year, he was the runner-up in the World Cup. Prior to his third-place finish in 2001, no goalkeeper had made it into the top three since Czechoslovakia’s Ivo Viktor in 1976. Kahn’s legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in history is firmly established, even if the Ballon d’Or eluded him.
14. Jurgen Klinsmann: The German Scoring Sensation
1995: Second place.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s sole appearance in the top three of the Ballon d’Or came in 1995 when he finished second to George Weah.
Klinsmann, the German goal-scoring legend, had a glittering international career that included a World Cup victory in 1990 and a European Championship win in 1996. Today, he serves as a figurehead for the United States national team, contributing to their efforts for continuous improvement following a promising World Cup campaign in Brazil.
15. Bobby Moore: England’s Iconic Captain
1970: Second place.
Bobby Moore, England’s iconic captain who led the nation to their historic 1966 World Cup victory, still adorns posters and t-shirts around the world. Yet, he never laid his hands on the Ballon d’Or trophy during his illustrious career.
His closest brush with the award came in 1970 when he secured second place. This was the year of his famous tackle on Brazil’s Jairzinho at the World Cup in Mexico, a moment etched in footballing history. It remains second only to him lifting the World Cup trophy in the hearts of England fans.
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Conclusion
these remarkable players, despite their immense contributions to the world of football, never clinched the coveted Ballon d’Or. Their careers were defined by excellence, success, and adulation from fans worldwide. While the Ballon d’Or may have eluded them, their lasting impact on the sport remains undiminished. Football fans will forever cherish their remarkable achievements and the joy they brought to the beautiful game.