The Ballon d’Or is the pinnacle of individual honours in the pantheon of football greatness, a testament to excellence. However, some of the most exceptional players in the game have never won this prestigious award. Andrés Iniesta, who is considered by many to be the best player in history, is at the top of that list and did not receive the honour. Even without the glitz of the Ballon d’Or, his poise, foresight, and clutch performances—like that memorable 2010 World Cup goal—solidify his legend.
The top 15 players who, in spite of their outstanding careers, have never won football’s most coveted individual award are listed below. These are legends who shaped times, enthralled spectators, and made a lasting impression on the game.
1. Spain’s Andrés Iniesta
It seems like football’s biggest oversight in Iniesta’s situation. His quiet brilliance frequently eclipsed more ostentatious players, and he was a pivotal figure for Barcelona and Spain in their heyday. His trophy cabinet, filled with La Liga crowns, Champions League trophies, and international honours, speaks for itself, even though he was unable to win the Ballon d’Or.
2. France’s Thierry Henry
Henry, the smoothest striker in the Premier League, revolutionised goal scoring at Arsenal. Even in his record-breaking 2003–04 unstoppable season, he was merely unable to win the Ballon d’Or despite having a horde of admirers for his speed, flair, and intellect.
3. Italy’s Paolo Maldini
During his two decades at AC Milan, Maldini, a defensive titan, personified loyalty and dignity. The fact that this Italian superstar never won the Ballon d’Or despite having five European Cups on his resume is evidence that defenders are rarely given credit.
4. Spain’s Xavi
Barcelona’s tiki-taka revolution was fuelled by Xavi, Iniesta’s midfield partner-in-crime. Similar to Iniesta, he was eclipsed by the Messi-Ronaldo period despite having an unmatched footballing intelligence and metronomic passing.
5. Brazil’s Neymar
Neymar stands out among other players. Perhaps due to timing, the Ballon d’Or has eluded him despite his flare and audacity lighting up stadiums from Santos to Paris. He shares the stage with two of the greatest of all time.
6. Uruguayan Luis Suárez
Suárez was a hungry striker who tormented defences in Spain, England, and other countries. His reputation as a predator lives on, even though his 2015–16 La Liga Golden Boot was insufficient to influence Ballon d’Or voters.
7. The Netherlands’ Dennis Bergkamp
Bergkamp created art out of football. Although the Ballon d’Or never recognised his genius, his touch, vision, and memorable goals—like that pirouette against Newcastle—made him stand out.
8. Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon
Although a goalie’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or are slim, Buffon was closer than most. He became a titan of the game because to his heroics in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory and his decades of brilliance at Juventus.
9. Italy’s Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo, a deep-lying playmaker with a conductor’s wand, gracefully and effortlessly commanded matches. Despite numerous club accolades and World Cup success, he was unable to cross the finish line for the Ballon d’Or.
10. France’s Franck Ribéry
A masterclass was Ribéry’s 2012–13 season with Bayern Munich, which ended in a Champions League victory. He lost a close contest and many believed he was cheated out of the Ballon d’Or that year.
11. The Netherlands’ Arjen Robben
Cutting inside with his left foot, Robben’s characteristic play, turned into a nightmare for defenders. He should have received more credit for his ability to score game-winning goals, such as Bayern’s 2013 Champions League victory.
12. Poland’s Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s consistency has been surpassed by few strikers. He is still waiting despite his incredible 2020–21 Bundesliga total and Champions League triumph with Bayern.
13. The Swedish Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan’s extraordinary skill was matched by his larger-than-life demeanour. Despite his extensive trophy collection and history of winning across Europe, his charisma never won him the Ballon d’Or.
14. England’s Steven Gerrard
Gerrard performed miracles like the 2005 Champions League final while carrying Liverpool on his back. Despite being a full-time midfielder, his perseverance and dedication never resulted in Ballon d’Or success.
15. The Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk, the modern defensive standard, turned Liverpool into champions. His 2018–19 season was almost flawless; he came in second in the Ballon d’Or race, but it was a painfully close call.
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