In brief
The most coveted individual award a football player can receive is the Super Ballon d’Or, which was only given out in 1989.
There have been rumors that 2029 will be the Super Ballon d’Or’s second-ever presentation.
The ten most probable winners of the second Super Ballon d’Or are listed here.
One of the best awards a football player can receive, if not the best, is the Ballon d’Or. It was first created in 1956 to honor the top player in Europe, but in 1995 it was broadened to include athletes from any country who were playing for a European team. Every year, at a special banquet attended by the biggest figures in football, both past and present, the award is given to the player who has played the best during the prior 12 months.
Even while it’s a fantastic honor, just think of the privilege it would be to be named the unquestioned best football player of your generation. In 1989, Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano won the Super Ballon d’Or for being the best player of the previous 30 years, surpassing Michel Platini and Johan Cruyff in the process.
We have selected the top 10 most likely contenders to win the once-in-a-lifetime prize based on their performance during the last 40 years, as the award’s 40th anniversary approaches in 2029.
10Xavi
Notable Clubs: Barcelona, Al-Sadd SC
One of the most iconic figures in Spanish football during a period of dominance was Xavi, a famous figure in the middle of the field. Whether it was Barcelona becoming unstoppable under Pep Guardiola or the national team winning three major championships in a row, the club’s future manager was always there to take charge.
With 767 appearances for the Catalan team, Xavi ranks second all-time and second in assists. It’s possible that other staff members nearby to the 45-year-old occasionally eclipsed him. The perfection of this man’s artistry is evident to those who genuinely appreciate the lovely game.
The career statistics of Xavi
Looks
980
Objectives
121
Helps
240
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), European Championship (x2), Copa del Rey (x3), La Liga (x8), and Champions League (x4)
The Ballon d’Or
N/A
9Luka Modric
Notable Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid
One may argue that Luka Modric is the best Croatian footballer of all time. That is quite an honor considering the excellent players they have had over the years. His more than 800 club appearances over the past 24 years demonstrate his longevity and drive to stay at the top.
The midfield guru has won six European championships with Real Madrid, but it was his Croatian performances at the 2018 World Cup, where his team placed second, that put an end to Messi and Ronaldo’s hegemony. He was named the world’s best footballer that year, becoming the first person to do so outside of the aforementioned duopoly in ten years.
The career statistics of Luka Modric
Looks
1,023
Objectives
116
Helps
169
Principal Accomplishments
Copa del Rey (x2), La Liga (x4), Champions League (x6), Club World Cup (x5), and UEFA Super Cup (x5)
The Ballon d’Or
2018
8Gianluigi Buffon
Notable Clubs: Parma, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
Few players ever get close to touching the great Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks. Perhaps the Italian stallion would be shattering the glass roof and gaining even more ground if the odds were in favor of goalkeepers taking home individual honors.
Buffon accumulated nearly every trophy that was available to him. Naturally, the Champions League was the major one that escaped his protective grasp. He is still one of the most well-known figures who has never lifted the renowned trophy, but it shouldn’t take away from the fact that he broke numerous records and is more than worthy of being included in such prestigious company. It’s difficult to remain at the top in any role, much less one that calls for such quick thinking and foresight, but Buffon overcame the odds and remained at the top for thirty years.
Statistics from Gianluigi Buffon’s career
Looks
1,115
Clean Sheets
506
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), Coppa Italia (x6), Ligue 1 (x1), and Serie A (x10)
The Ballon d’Or
N/A
7Andres Iniesta
Notable Clubs: Barcelona, Vissel Kobe, Emirates Club
Andres Iniesta spent the most of the renowned Guardiola period at Camp Nou working with Xavi in the engine room. The 41-year-old is entitled to every honor that was bestowed upon his equal. He does, however, have one or two other accolades that put him a few points higher.
First off, despite very fierce competition, Iniesta was named the greatest player in Europe in 2012. However, he scored the goal to win La Roja their first World Cup in 2010, which is his most well-known moment. The playmaker would have been regarded as one of the best Spain internationals in history if his influence on Spanish football hadn’t been documented in the history books without that goal in the 116th minute.
Career statistics for Andres Iniesta
Looks
962
Objectives
102
Helps
192
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), European Championship (x2), Copa del Rey (x3), La Liga (x9), and Champions League (x6)
The Ballon d’Or
N/A
6Paolo Maldini
Notable Clubs: AC Milan
A picture of Paolo Maldini controlling Italian football should appear when you search for the word longevity in a dictionary. As he guided AC Milan through several generations of talent, the renowned defender won an incredible five European Cups and seven Serie A championships.
Maldini, the second-most capped Italian outfield defender after former Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, is a devoted fan favorite and possibly the best player to have ever played defense. Furthermore, Maldini exemplifies the notion that Italian defense is more of an art than a sport, even though it has never been tested. Given his poise and polish, it’s seriously questionable if he could enter a major final with a glass of wine in hand and not spill a drop.
Career statistics for Paolo Maldini
Looks
1027
Objectives
40
Helps
48
Principal Accomplishments
Coppa Italia (x1), Champions League (x5), and Serie A (x7)
The Ballon d’Or
N/A
5Ronaldinho
Notable Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan
In an other reality, Ronaldinho may challenge for the top spot on our list if his light didn’t go out so rapidly. With his samba flair and contagious smile, the Brazilian made football seem as simple and fun as ever, and his peak was maybe more spectacular than anybody else’s in the previous four decades.
After the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldinho, a Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup champion, struggled to ever return to his peak performance. In the end, he was moved out of Barcelona to allow for the success of a specific Argentinian. Even if that choice ultimately paid out, there is no doubting that this genius possessed a wealth of natural talent, and any South American who has followed in his footsteps will draw inspiration from his signature swagger.
The career statistics of Ronaldinho
Looks
646
Objectives
231
Helps
197
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), Copa America (x1), Serie A (x1), La Liga (x2), and Champions League (x1)
The Ballon d’Or
2005
4Ronaldo Nazario
Notable Clubs: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid
Amazing. Everything about this individual may be inferred from his nickname. His build has never allowed a player to move with such a blend of speed, strength, and elegance. Naturally, Ronaldo Nazario is the subject of our conversation.
At his best, ‘R9’ was a natural phenomenon who, whenever defenders faced him, left them in wonder and terror. Even though he had a lot of success at home, his contributions to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory will be remembered for years to come. In addition to being a fantastic competition for Ronaldo, it was the ideal way to move past the heartache of 1998. Years of what should have been an even more remarkable career were lost due to injuries and weight problems. A tale about appreciating what you have while it lasts.
Statistics for Ronaldo Nazario’s career
Looks
580
Objectives
371
Helps
108
Principal Accomplishments
Copa America (x1), World Cup (x2), La Liga (x2), and the Uefa Cup (x1)
The Ballon d’Or
1997 and 2002
3Zinedine Zidane
Notable Clubs: Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
France is home to several famous football players. Being at the very top of the two-time World Champions’ output is therefore no small accomplishment. Except if you’re Zinedine Zidane. Because it appears effortless at that point.
One of three situations occurred as players went up to the legendary midfield player. They would bounce off his extraordinarily powerful body. An extraordinary feat of expertise would turn them inside out. Or, apologies to Marco Matterazzi, they would be headbutted in the World Cup final.
Strangely enough, though, the Matterazzi event only served to enhance the reputation of such a bold person who frequently accomplished seemingly impossible feats. In any other period, it wouldn’t have been shocking if Zidane had won the Super Ballon d’Or after winning all there was to win in the game. Aside from this one. Although the accolade is only given to players, his three Champions League victories as manager should also be considered.
Statistics from Zinedine Zidane’s career
Looks
797
Objectives
156
Helps
171
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), Champions League (x1), La Liga (x1), Serie A (x2), and European Championship (x1)
The Ballon d’Or
1998
2Cristiano Ronaldo
Notable Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus
a winner in three of the top European football divisions. The first taste of world glory for a country’s leader. The best player ever to play for Real Madrid. Everything that may be used to characterize Cristiano Ronaldo, the legend. However, that is in some ways insufficient to rank first.
The fact that Ronaldo was able to gain the upper hand in so many different areas during a period when his biggest opponent appeared to be the best football player to have set foot on the field is a credit to his own talent and incredible commitment to the game. He is without a doubt the best goal scorer in the history of the game. But the only thing that may make him the front-runner to win the Super Ballon d’Or as the second winner would be a World Cup victory.
Statistics from Cristiano Ronaldo’s career
Looks
1,273
Objectives
932
Helps
287
Principal Accomplishments
Champions League (x5), European Championship (x1), Serie A (x2), Premier League (x3), La Liga (x2), and Nations League (x2)
The Ballon d’Or
2013; 2014; 2016, 2017; 2008
1Lionel Messi
Notable Clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
Who else? To see why Lionel Messi is the obvious favorite to win this award, simply enumerate his accomplishments. eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most in history. Twelve league titles in the country. Four Leagues of Champions. Two Copa America championships. One World Cup. The list is so vast that there are still a lot of other accomplishments that have not been named.
Superlatives cannot adequately express this natural anomaly. Since he simply has flashes of genius, they have all been overdone and worn out. Lionel Messi would be the most fitting recipient if the Super Ballon d’Or were to return.
The career statistics of Lionel Messi
Looks
1,126
Objectives
871
Helps
424
Principal Accomplishments
World Cup (x1), Copa America (x2), Champions League (x4), La Liga (x10), and Ligue 1 (x2)
The Ballon d’Or
2019, 2021, 2023, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and
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