Meet the football legends who, despite their greatness, never captured a Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or is a prize many players chase with fierce ambition. France Football began honoring the world’s best player in 1956, and each year the winner is celebrated as the paradigm of individual brilliance. Yet the path to the trophy has never been straightforward for everyone, and some of the sport’s finest talents never claimed it.
In the early years, the award was limited to players born in Europe or competing in European leagues. The rules shifted in 2009 to remove geographical barriers, allowing players from any nationality and any competition to be considered. Even with that openness, several all-time greats remained just out of reach, their names forever linked with extraordinary performances that did not yield the coveted golden trophy.
Below, GOAL highlights players who, despite moments of peak performance and undeniable influence, did not win the Ballon d’Or.
FRANCO BARESI
His influence on the game is undeniable. With AC Milan, he captured three European Cups, a World Cup, and six Serie A titles. Yet in 1989 he stood as a finalist, bested by Marco van Basten in a battle that remains part of football lore.
DENNIS BERGKAMP
Arsenal’s creative genius belonged to a golden Dutch generation. His dazzling performances earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 1995, but the award went to Roberto Baggio that year, leaving Bergkamp one step from the pinnacle of world football.
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO
The storied Juventus striker sits atop the club’s all-time scoring list and etched his name in the history of Italian football. He helped Italy claim glory on the international stage, yet the Ballon d’Or eluded him despite his enduring excellence and prolific seasons.
ARJEN ROBBEN
The left foot of his time at Bayern Munich unlocked some of the game’s most memorable moments. He captured nearly every major club honor, including a remarkable 2013 season, but the Ballon d’Or went to another contender that year despite Robben’s brilliance.
PAOLO MALDINI
Regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, Maldini’s career with Milan spanned countless triumphs. He lifted five European Cups and seven league titles, yet in 2003 he finished behind Pavel Nedved in the Ballon d’Or race, a choice that stunned many supporters.
RAUL
Real Madrid’s legendary striker became synonymous with club success and European competition excellence. He broke numerous club records and was repeatedly recognized as UEFA’s top striker, but the Ballon d’Or eluded him when Michael Owen claimed the prize in 2001.
THIERRY HENRY
Renowned for his precise technique and lethal finishing, Henry earned a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2003. In a memorable season, Pavel Nedved outpaced him to claim the prize, leaving a lasting impression of what might have been for the French icon.
XAVI HERNANDEZ
One of football’s most esteemed midfielders, Xavi guided Barcelona with Guardiola to a sextet of trophies and helped secure Spain’s World Cup crown. Although his impact was immense, the Ballon d’Or honored others in those years rather than him.
ANDRES INIESTA
Xavi’s long-time ally and a pivotal figure in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph, Iniesta consistently delivered moments of magic. Yet the individual award given by France Football never crowned him Ballon d’Or champion, even as Messi and other contemporaries shined.
DIEGO MARADONA
Maradona’s legacy transcends numbers. He carried Napoli to historic heights, lifting league titles and cup competitions with a style that enthralled nations. In his era the award was not extended to non-European players, which meant he never appeared on the ballot in the Ballon d’Or frame, despite his global status and impact on the sport.