Since 1956, only eight Real Madrid players have claimed the Ballon d’Or, the world’s top individual football prize.
In 2022, Karim Benzema rose to that elite status. He led Real Madrid to both La Liga and the Champions League title that season, delivering performances that solidified his standing as the standout player in the two most prestigious competitions and guiding Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to glory. Benzema was awarded the Ballon d’Or on October 17, 2022, in Paris, becoming part of Real Madrid’s storied lineage of winners and cementing his place among the club’s all-time greats (Goal).
Real Madrid’s history with the Ballon d’Or has not always been a crowded stage. Yet, the club’s impact on the award has been unmistakable, with a small but powerful group of players earning the trophy at various points since the prize’s inception in 1956. The Ballon d’Or, presented by France Football, has long been the benchmark for individual excellence in football, and Real Madrid’s association with this honor highlights the club’s tradition of nurturing world-class talent.
Throughout the years, the club has seen players who shone brightly for other clubs receive the Ballon d’Or after transferring away from Real Madrid. For instance, Luís Figo won the award while still connected to Barcelona, demonstrating how the prize can reflect a player’s career across multiple teams. Ronaldo Nazário achieved the honor while with Inter Milan, and Fabio Cannavaro earned it thanks to his performances at the 2006 World Cup representing Italy, even though his Ballon d’Or campaign is often viewed in the context of his contributions to another national squad or club during that season (Goal).
In celebrating Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winners, it’s helpful to map out the editions and the players who wore the club’s white shirt at the time they received the prize. The list emphasizes how the club’s identity and its capacity to develop and attract top talent have repeatedly produced players who rise to football’s highest individual honor. Each triumph has contributed to Real Madrid’s enduring status as one of the sport’s most decorated institutions, reinforcing the idea that success at the club level often aligns with global recognition (Goal).