All the Ballon d’Or winners in history: List by year since 1956

Even in team sports, there’s room for individual awards. And while most soccer stars probably dream of winning collective titles over anything else, the Ballon d’Or is a meaningful individual achievement.

The accolade, given by French magazine France Football since 1956, rewards the best player of the season in an event that always draws the soccer community’s attention.

Originally given to European players only, the Ballon d’Or eligibility was eventually expanded to players from all over the planet to become the global phenom it is today. On Bolavip, we take a look at every single Ballon d’Or winner in award history.

Full list of Ballon d’Or winners by year

The Ballon d’Or throughout the years

The first Ballon d’Or winner was English legend Sir Stanley Matthews, who emerged victorious in the inaugural 1956 Ballon d’Or at 41 years, 321 days old ― which remains the record for the oldest winner in Ballon d’Or history.

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Limited to players born in Europe at first, it wasn’t until 1995 that the Ballon d’Or rules changed, enabling players from any country active at European clubs to be in contention as well. That year saw Liberian icon George Weah become the first non-European player to win the Ballon d’Or.

The field was further expanded in 2007, making all professional soccer players in the world eligible. Until 2022, the criteria was a player’s performance in a calendar year. That year, it changed to consider a typical club season. French striker Karim Benzema was the first winner under the new criteria, following a remarkable 2021-22 campaign with Real Madrid.

The record Ballon d’Or winner

The record for most Ballon d’Or wins belongs to another name though, and that’s Lionel Messi, who received his eighth award in 2023. The Argentine legend is followed by Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo with five.

Both superstars led arguably the most intense rivalry in Ballon d’Or history, going toe-to-toe for many years until Messi gained a significant advantage by reaching eight triumphs against Ronaldo’s five.

Key takeaways

• France Football has awarded the Ballon d’Or to top soccer players since 1956.
• Stanley Matthews won the inaugural 1956 Ballon d’Or as the oldest recipient ever.
• Lionel Messi holds the all-time record after winning his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023.