FULL LIST:TOP FOOTBALLERS WHO NEVER WON BALLON D’OR

By Shodayo Sunmisola Michael

They are among the most prominent figures in football history. Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Andrés Iniesta, and David Beckham are legends who have captivated audiences and populated trophy cabinets.

Despite their iconic status and numerous personal and team accolades, none of these players has ever received the men’s Ballon d’Or, the most esteemed individual honor in global football.

As reported by BBC Sports, this distinguished annual award has been presented since 1956, initiated by two French sports journalists who aimed to honor the world’s premier talent.

Initially, it was exclusive to European footballers, but it has since expanded to include players from around the world.

The list of winners features superstars such as Zinedine Zidane, along with Brazilian teammates Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, all of whom have claimed the top award.

A period of supremacy commenced in 2008 when Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi vied for the foremost position.

Throughout the subsequent decade, no one else was able to compete, as these two exceptional players dominated the highest accolade. Nonetheless, which prominent figures are notably absent from the winners’ roster?

The notable absences

1. Dennis Bergkamp is rightly considered one of the finest players of his era, yet, like many others, the Ballon d’Or evaded him.

Arsenal shattered their transfer record to acquire the Dutchman from Inter Milan in 1995, with the £7.5 million fee proving to be an astute investment.

A lengthy period of triumph ensued under Arsene Wenger, during which Bergkamp secured three league titles, including the ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003-04, along with three FA Cups.

 

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Bergkamp also had his share of legendary moments – his 1997 hat-trick against Leicester will be fondly remembered. Additionally, he scored one of the most remarkable goals in World Cup history at France ‘98 for the Netherlands against Argentina.

However, it is surprising that his only top-three finishes in the Ballon d’Or—third place in 1992 and second place in 1993—occurred prior to his tenure with the Gunners.

2. Thierry Henry

Another Arsenal legend who would certainly be a contender for the best player in Premier League history.

Upon joining the Gunners in 1999, Thierry Henry quickly became one of Europe’s most formidable strikers, backed by a prolific goal-scoring record.

He was the first player this century to achieve at least 20 goals and 20 assists in a single season in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Only Lionel Messi has since replicated this feat in domestic league play.

The Frenchman remains Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals in 377 matches, receiving ample accolades, but only two top-three finishes marked his peak in Ballon d’Or voting.

3. Neymar

Neymar also boasts impressive statistics in his career, as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has accumulated over 400 senior career goals.

As if that weren’t remarkable enough, he is also one of only five players to have netted 100 goals with three different clubs – Santos, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain in his case.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Romario, and the iconic Spanish forward Isidro Langara are among those who have accomplished this remarkable achievement, should you be curious.

Paris Saint-Germain invested a world-record £200 million to acquire Neymar in 2017; however, he was unable to persuade the Ballon d’Or electorate to elevate him to the status of the world’s premier footballer.

4. Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is one of merely five athletes to have netted 100 goals with three distinct clubs.

We have previously referenced Robert Lewandowski, and it would be unjust to exclude him from this compilation.

Had the 2020 Ballon d’Or not been annulled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polish international might have secured the accolade.

After all, he had just experienced the most prolific season of his career, scoring 55 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich.

“I was in the pinnacle of my career; I secured every title with my club,” the forward, now with Barcelona, remarked to the BBC.

His chance eluded him, and Lewandowski had to accept the runner-up position behind Lionel Messi the subsequent year.

5. Andres Iniesta

Were it not for the extraordinary performances consistently produced by Messi and Ronaldo, midfield virtuoso Andres Iniesta would likely possess a Ballon d’Or trophy on his shelf.

Having progressed through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Iniesta integrated seamlessly into the club’s midfield, amassing 32 trophies over 16 illustrious years, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League victories.

On the international stage, Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain and netted 13 goals, featuring the decisive strike against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.

He concluded his international career with a World Cup and two European Championships to his name.

Iniesta finished as the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2010 and secured third place two years later when Messi triumphed in both instances.

6. David Beckham

In contrast to Old Trafford legends Law, Charlton, and Best, Manchester United’s renowned ‘Class of 92’ did not receive Ballon d’Or trophy acknowledgment.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s esteemed young players included David Beckham, who made his mark with one of the Premier League’s most iconic goals during the 1996-97 season.

Situated in his own half with the ball, a youthful Beckham glanced up and noticed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan off his line. The remainder is history.

There were accolades as well—numerous titles—including United’s Treble in 1999.

Beckham was a pivotal figure in that illustrious team and went on to captain England. He was a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1999 for valid reasons and later became a star at Real Madrid, yet he never grasped the prestigious award.

7. Ryan Giggs

Another alumnus of the ‘Class of 92,’ Ryan Giggs is the Premier League’s most decorated player and dedicated his entire career to Manchester United.

The statistics are irrefutable: Giggs secured 13 league titles, four FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Champions League trophies. Quite an impressive record.
One of the most exceptional athletes of his era also netted one of the most memorable FA Cup goals. Who could possibly forget that remarkable occasion against Arsenal?

8. Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard possesses the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer among midfielders in the Premier League, as well as the record for the most goals scored from outside the penalty area.

Similar to Bergkamp, Henry, Beckham, Lewandowski, and Haaland, Frank Lampard had to accept the runner-up position for the Ballon d’Or. It is evident why he came so close to clinching the award.

Widely celebrated as one of the finest English midfielders in history, Lampard is Chelsea’s highest goal-scorer, amassing 211 goals across all competitions.

His accolades include three Premier League championships, one Champions League title, and four FA Cup victories. Lampard continues to hold the record for the most goals by a midfielder in the Premier League, with a total of 177.

9. Steven Gerrard

Speaking of remarkable midfielders, it is imperative to mention Steven Gerrard.

The 2005 Champions League final is arguably his most illustrious moment.

Liverpool found themselves trailing 3-0 against AC Milan at halftime and seemed destined for a crushing defeat. However, Gerrard had different plans.

His goal early in the second half signaled the onset of one of football’s most extraordinary comebacks, as Gerrard galvanized his team towards triumph.

There is no doubt that he is a Premier League icon, but the so-called ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ undoubtedly ranks as his most significant accomplishment.