Top 10 Legendary Footballers Who Never Won the Ballon d'Or

By: Shawn
‎The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual prize, has celebrated the game’s finest since its expansion in 1995 to include non-European players. Legends such as George Weah, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have all etched their names into history with the Golden Ball. Yet, countless icons fell just short despite unforgettable careers.
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From Neymar to Wayne Rooney, explore the top 10 legendary footballers who never lifted the Ballon d’Or despite historic careers.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎We have ranked the ten greatest footballers never to win the Ballon d’Or, each leaving behind a legacy that redefined the sport.
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‎10. Zlatan Ibrahimović
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‎Zlatan Ibrahimović collected 34 trophies across six different leagues and scored 573 career goals, including 62 for Sweden. Despite a fourth-place finish in the 2014 Ballon d’Or, his absence from Champions League success kept him from the top prize. His record of scoring for six clubs in Europe’s premier competition underlines his unique brilliance.
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‎9. Raúl González
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‎A Real Madrid icon, Raúl netted 228 goals in 550 appearances and spearheaded three Champions League triumphs. He was overlooked for the 2001 Ballon d’Or, losing out to Michael Owen despite stronger statistics. His consistency and leadership made him one of Spain’s finest.
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‎8. Paolo Maldini
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‎Paolo Maldini’s elegance and versatility made him one of football’s greatest defenders. With five Champions League titles and seven Serie A crowns, his defensive mastery earned just one podium finish, highlighting how overlooked defenders have been in Ballon d’Or history.
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‎7. Xavi Hernández
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‎Xavi orchestrated Barcelona and Spain’s dominance between 2008 and 2012. With four Champions League titles, eight La Liga triumphs, and a World Cup victory, his third-place Ballon d’Or finishes underscored how his subtle genius was often overshadowed by Messi’s goal tally.
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‎6. Luis Suárez
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‎Luis Suárez produced breathtaking moments at Liverpool and Barcelona, including a 59-goal season in 2015-16. His controversies often clouded his achievements, but his skill, unpredictability, and finishing ability made him one of the most feared strikers never to win the award.
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‎5. Robert Lewandowski
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‎Robert Lewandowski’s dominance was undeniable, particularly in 2020 when France Football cancelled the Ballon d’Or due to the pandemic, robbing him of likely victory. With over 600 career goals, numerous Bundesliga titles, and Poland’s all-time scoring record, he remains a glaring omission from the winners’ list.
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‎4. Neymar
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‎Neymar dazzled with Barcelona’s treble-winning side and became Brazil’s all-time top scorer, but his 2017 move to PSG limited his chances at the elite level. Injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from surpassing third place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
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‎3. Wayne Rooney
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‎Wayne Rooney became Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League. Despite his impact, he never placed higher than fifth in Ballon d’Or voting, making him one of England’s greatest yet most underrated players.
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‎2. Thierry Henry
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‎Thierry Henry was Arsenal’s talisman, winning four Golden Boots and inspiring the club’s famous “Invincibles” season. He finished second to Pavel Nedved in 2003 despite an extraordinary 32-goal campaign. With 51 goals for France, Henry remains a Premier League legend and international champion.
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‎1. Andrés Iniesta
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‎Andrés Iniesta’s artistry defined both Barcelona and Spain’s golden era. He scored decisive goals in the 2009 Champions League semi-final and the 2010 World Cup final. Despite second and third-place finishes, he never lifted the Golden Ball. France Football later admitted his absence was a “democratic anomaly,” cementing his status as one of football’s greatest midfielders.

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