The two names most commonly associated with the Ballon d’Or are unquestionably Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The legendary pairing of the game have won the award a combined 13 times and comfortably reign as the two most decorated players in Ballon d’Or history. The Ballon d’Or gala celebrates and recognizes the best in the sport for their performances over the past season.
This year will mark the 69th time the Ballon d’Or is awarded. Since the award’s inception in 1956, the “Golden Ball” has only risen in prestige and significance. Simply put, the Ballon d’Or is an achievement reserved almost exclusively for all-time greats of the sport, an illustrious group arguably led by Messi and Ronaldo.
Still, as they reach the twilight of their careers, there seems to be a clear passing of the torch to usher in a new era in Ballon d’Or history. In 2025, neither Messi nor Ronaldo were nominated for the Ballon d’Or award.
