There is growing speculation that the Super Ballon d’Or could be awarded again in 2029, marking just the second time in history.
The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as one of the most coveted awards in football. First introduced in 1956, it was initially meant to recognize the top player in Europe, but in 1995, its scope expanded to include players from any country competing for European clubs.
Each year, the award celebrates the standout performer from the previous season at a glamorous ceremony attended by football’s biggest legends and stars.
As prestigious as the Ballon d’Or is, imagine the honor of receiving a title that declares you the ultimate footballer of your era.
With the 40th anniversary of the Super Ballon d’Or approaching in 2029, here’s a look at the top 15 contenders who could claim this rare and historic prize based on their achievements over the past four decades.
While it may come as a surprise to see Kylian Mbappe ranked ahead of some of his peers, his accomplishments speak volumes. The French forward has already lifted the World Cup, becoming only the second player after Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in the final, and the second to score in two consecutive finals, following Brazil’s Vava.
Such standout performances on the grandest stage are crucial in earning recognition for awards like this. Mbappe still has time to secure a Ballon d’Or, with 2026 looking promising. His prolific scoring record — from Monaco to PSG and now Real Madrid — cements his legacy as one of the defining players of his generation. ..Continue Reading
Kylian Mbappe’s career statistics
Appearances: 530
Goals: 396
Assists: 171
Key Achievements: Ligue 1 (x7), Coupe de France (x4), World Cup (x1)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Sergio Ramos
A World Cup champion, Sergio Ramos redefined defensive excellence for an entire era and is remembered as one of the finest centre-backs in history. He played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s four Champions League triumphs between 2014 and 2018, alongside five La Liga titles and numerous other accolades.
With more than 140 goals, Ramos ranks among the highest-scoring defenders ever. His aggressive style led to many red cards, but his fiery spirit often worked in his favor, helping Spain capture both the World Cup and two European Championships.
Sergio Ramos’ career statistics
Appearances: 1021
Goals: 146
Assists: 50
Key Achievements: La Liga (x5), Ligue 1 (x2), Champions League (x4), Copa del Rey (x2), World Cup (x1), European Championship (x2)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Kaka
Kaka is part of an elite group of just 10 players who have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup — a trifecta that places him firmly in the conversation. The Brazilian collected silverware in Brazil, Italy, and Spain, thrilling fans across continents.
Beyond his accolades, Kaka was a joy to watch. He blended elegance and technical brilliance with raw athleticism, dominating games during his peak. No matter the era, he would have been a standout.
Kaka’s career statistics
Appearances: 706
Goals: 220
Assists: 186
Key Achievements: La Liga (x1), Serie A (x1), Champions League (x1), Copa del Rey (x1), World Cup (x1)
Ballon d’Or: 2007
Karim Benzema
For years, Karim Benzema played a supporting role at Real Madrid, complementing Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliance. Yet he consistently delivered goals, assists, and trophies. His breakout came when he became the focal point of the attack.
His finest season was 2021/22, scoring 27 times in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League, topping both charts and earning the 2022 Ballon d’Or. A complete forward, Benzema has proven his versatility and class throughout his career.
Karim Benzema’s career statistics
Appearances: 959
Goals: 498
Assists: 234
Key Achievements: La Liga (x4), Ligue 1 (x4), Champions League (x5), Copa del Rey (x3), Coupe de France (x1)
Ballon d’Or: 2022
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is often cited among the greatest players never to win the Ballon d’Or. Many believe he was unfairly overlooked in 2003 when he finished second to Pavel Nedved. Widely considered the Premier League’s finest ever, it’s surprising he was never officially crowned the world’s best.
Still, his career was filled with triumphs. From Arsenal’s Invincibles to Champions League and La Liga titles with Barcelona, plus World Cup and Euro wins with France, Henry left defenders trembling — even John Terry admitted he ‘hated playing’ Henry.
Thierry Henry’s career statistics
Appearances: 918
Goals: 411
Assists: 204
Key Achievements: Premier League (x2), La Liga (x2), Ligue 1 (x1), Champions League (x1), FA Cup (x2), Copa del Rey (x1), World Cup (x1), European Championship (x1)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Xavi
Xavi was the heartbeat of both Spain’s golden generation and Barcelona’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. Whether orchestrating midfield play for club or country, he was always in control.
With 767 appearances for Barcelona, he ranks second all-time for both games played and assists. Though sometimes overshadowed by teammates, those who appreciate the intricacies of football recognize his genius.
Xavi’s career statistics
Appearances: 980
Goals: 121
Assists: 240
Key Achievements: La Liga (x8), Champions League (x4), Copa del Rey (x3), World Cup (x1), European Championship (x2)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Luka Modric
Luka Modric is widely regarded as Croatia’s greatest footballer. His longevity and consistency are evident in over 1,000 career appearances.
He’s won six Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but it was his performance at the 2018 World Cup — where Croatia finished runners-up — that broke the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or streak, earning him the award that year.
Luka Modric’s career statistics
Appearances: 1,088
Goals: 125
Assists: 172
Key Achievements: La Liga (x4), Champions League (x6), Copa del Rey (x2), Club World Cup (x5), UEFA Super Cup (x5)
Ballon d’Or: 2018
Gianluigi Buffon
Few goalkeepers have reached the heights of Gianluigi Buffon. If shot-stoppers had more chances at individual awards, Buffon would likely have shattered records even further.
He won nearly every trophy available, except the Champions League. Despite that, his longevity and excellence — spanning three decades — make him a legend of the game.
Gianluigi Buffon’s career statistics
Appearances: 1,115
Clean Sheets: 506
Key Achievements: Serie A (x10), Ligue 1 (x1), Coppa Italia (x6), World Cup (x1)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta was Xavi’s midfield partner during Barcelona’s golden era. He matched his teammate’s trophy haul and added a few unique accolades of his own.
He was named Europe’s best player in 2012 and famously scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final — a moment that immortalized him in Spanish football history.
Andres Iniesta’s career statistics
Appearances: 962
Goals: 102
Assists: 192
Key Achievements: La Liga (x9), Champions League (x6), Copa del Rey (x3), World Cup (x1), European Championship (x2)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Paolo Maldini
When you look up the word longevity in the dictionary, you should get a picture of Paolo Maldini dominating Italian football. The legendary defender won an astonishing five European Cups and seven Serie A titles as he led AC Milan through multiple generations of talent.
A firm fan favourite and arguably the greatest player to have ever stepped foot in defence, Maldini is the second-most capped Italian outfield defender behind former Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro.
And while it’s never actually been put to the test, Maldini so perfectly embodies the idea that Italian defending is more like a form of art than a sport. It’s genuinely debatable whether he could walk into a major final with a glass of wine in hand and not spill a single drop, such was his class and composure.
Paolo Maldini’s career statistics
Appearances: 1027
Goals: 40
Assists: 48
Key Achievements: Serie A (x7), Champions League (x5), Coppa Italia (x1)
Ballon d’Or: N/A
Ronaldinho
In a parallel world where Ronaldinho’s light didn’t burn out so quickly, he could push towards the very top of this ranking. His peak was arguably more spectacular than anyone else’s over the last 40 years, with the Brazilian making football look as easy and as enjoyable as ever with his samba style and infectious smile.
A Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup winner, Ronaldinho struggled to ever rediscover the heights of his form after the 2006 World Cup. He was eventually shunted out of Barca to make room for a certain Argentinian to blossom.
Though that decision ultimately paid dividends, there can be no denying the natural talent this genius had in abundance, and every South American that has – and will – come after him will base some of their style on his trademark swagger.
Ronaldinho’s career statistics
Appearances: 646
Goals: 231
Assists: 197
Key Achievements: La Liga (x2), Champions League (x1), Serie A (x1), World Cup (x1), Copa America (x1)
Ballon d’Or: 2005
Ronaldo Nazario
Phenomenal. The nickname given to this man tells the entire story. Never has a player of his build moved with such a combination of pace, power and grace. We are, of course, talking about Ronaldo Nazario.
At his peak, ‘R9’ was a freak of nature who left defenders in both awe and fear anytime they stepped up against him. Whilst domestic success was plentiful, his efforts in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory will stand the test of time. Not only was it an incredible tournament for Ronaldo, but it was also the perfect redemption story from 1998’s heartbreak. Injuries and weight issues took away years of what should’ve been an even more special career. A story of cherishing what you have whilst you’ve got it.
Ronaldo Nazario’s career statistics
Appearances: 580
Goals: 371
Assists: 108
Key Achievements: La Liga (x2), Uefa Cup (x1), World Cup (x2), Copa America (x1)
Ballon d’Or: 1997, 2002
Zinedine Zidane
France is a nation of footballing greats. So to be the absolute pinnacle of what the two-time World Champions produced is no easy feat. Unless your name is Zinedine Zidane. Because then, it looks effortless.
When players approached the great midfielder, one of three things happened. They would bounce right off his incredibly strong frame. They would be turned inside out with an outstanding piece of skill. Or they would get headbutted in the World Cup final (Sorry, Marco Materazzi).
Weirdly though, the Materazzi incident only added to the aura of such an audacious individual, who routinely did things that didn’t seem possible. Having won everything there was to win in the game, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Zidane had walked away with the Super Ballon d’Or in any other era. Except for this one.
And his three Champions League wins as a manager should play some role, too, though the award is limited to just players.
Zinedine Zidane’s career statistics
Appearances: 797
Goals: 156
Assists: 171
Key Achievements: Serie A (x2), La Liga (x1), Champions League (x1), World Cup (x1), European Championship (x1)
Ballon d’Or: 1998
Cristiano Ronaldo
A champion across three of the biggest leagues in European football. A leader of a nation’s first ever taste of international glory. The greatest player in Real Madrid history. All things that can be used to describe the icon that is Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet that is somehow not enough to be number one.
In a time when his greatest rival was seemingly the single greatest footballer to walk onto the pitch, the fact that Ronaldo was able to get the upper hand in so many different areas is a true testament to his own quality and mind-blowing dedication to the sport.
He is the single greatest goalscorer the game has ever seen. However, only a World Cup triumph would potentially make him the lead contender to become the second recipient of the Super Ballon d’Or.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career statistics
Appearances: 1,282
Goals: 939
Assists: 302
Key Achievements: Premier League (x3), La Liga (x2), Serie A (x2), Champions League (x5), European Championship (x1), Nations League (x2)
Ballon d’Or: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
Lionel Messi
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi with the men’s Ballon d’Or
Who else? Just list off Lionel Messi’s accomplishments, and you have your answer as to why this genius would be the clear favourite for this award.
The most Ballon d’Or awards in history with eight. Twelve domestic league titles. Four Champions Leagues. Two Copa America titles. One World Cup. There are still so many different accomplishments that haven’t been named, the list goes on that long.
There are no superlatives that can describe this freak of nature. They have all been overused and worn out because moments of brilliance just come naturally to him. Should the Super Ballon d’Or make its return, there would be no more suitable winner than Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi’s career statistics
Appearances: 1,126
Goals: 871
Assists: 424
Key Achievements: La Liga (x10), Ligue 1 (x2), Champions League (x4), World Cup (x1), Copa America (x2)
Ballon d’Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
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