The Ballon d’Or is one of, if not the most coveted football awards. It was first established in 1956 to honor the best player in Europe, before expanding in 1995 to include global players that play for European clubs. Each year, the renowned golden ball is presented to the best performer of the previous 12 months at a glittering banquet attended by past and present game legends.
But if winning the Ballon d’Or is football’s highest annual honor, imagine hoisting a trophy declaring you the best of your generation. That’s exactly what happened in 1989, when Real Madrid hero Alfredo Di Stefano was crowned the greatest player of the previous 30 years by the Super Ballon d’Or, a medal so unusual that it has only been awarded once, defeating Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.
With the mythical award’s 40th anniversary approaching in 2029, we asked Twitter’s AI Grok to select the top ten athletes most deserving of this once-in-a-lifetime honor based on their accomplishments over the last four decades, and the results are fascinating reading.
10Ronaldinho
Notable clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, AC Milan
What AI said: “Why?” Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, sparkled with Barcelona, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League in 2006. His 2002 World Cup contribution and samba flair have made him a fan favourite. His heyday (2003-2006) was unrivaled for spectacle. His impact spans only a fraction of the 1999-2029 timeframe, due to a brief peak and subsequent fall after 2006.
Ronaldinho, a Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup champion, struggled to regain his peak form following the 2006 World Cup. He was eventually kicked out of Barcelona to make way for a particular Argentine to flourish. That decision eventually paid off, but there is no denying the abundance of natural talent this genius possessed, and every South American who has – and will – follow in his footsteps will base at least some of their style on his infectious dribbling and playmaking magic, as he finished his career with 231 goals and 197 assists in 646 appearances.
9Karim Benzema
Notable clubs: Lyon, Real Madrid
What AI said: “Why?” Benzema’s 2022 Ballon d’Or win capped a brilliant career that included five Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid. His 24 trophies, versatility, and 2021 Nations League victory with France enhance his resume. Challenge: A solitary Ballon d’Or and a less renowned global profile than Messi or Ronaldo limit his chances.”
Karim Benzema’s career was loaded with awards, and he evolved into one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, leading Real Madrid to the 2021/22 Champions League in the post-Ronaldo era. This victory extended to his collection of five winners’ medals in Europe’s illustrious competition, which already included 32 major honours.
With 648 games for Los Blancos and 354 goals, Benzema has to be considered one of the greatest French forwards of all time, even if he hasn’t had the same international reputation, as off-field issues kept him out of the squad during the triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign.
8Luka Modric
Notable clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid
What AI said: “Why?” Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly and guiding Croatia to the World Cup final. His five Champions League titles and playmaking prowess at Real Madrid (2012-present) shone. His 2022-2023 performances increase his relevance. Challenge: Only one Ballon d’Or and a less prolific goal-scoring record reduce his chances against attackers.”
Luka Modric might claim to be Croatia’s best player of all time. Given the excellent players they’ve had over the years, this is quite an honor. His longevity and desire to stay at the top are evidenced by his 800+ club appearances over the last 24 years.
The midfield master has won six European titles with Real Madrid, but it was his performances for Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, where his team finished second, that ended Messi-Ronaldo’s dominance of the Ballon d’Or, when he was named the world’s best footballer in the same year, becoming the first outside the aforementioned duopoly in a decade.
7Gianluigi Buffon
Notable clubs: Parma, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
What AI said: “Why?” Buffon, one of the best goalkeepers of all time, has never won the Ballon d’Or, but finished second in 2006. His 2006 World Cup win with Italy, ten Serie A titles, and longevity (1995-2023) are impressive. His reflex-heavy style and near-miss Champions League record may elicit sympathy votes. Goalkeepers rarely win individual accolades, and his lack of a Ballon d’Or is an obstacle.”
Gianluigi Buffon, an octopus between the posts, began his blossoming career with Parma in 1995 and, surprisingly, only retired two years ago, in 2023. Buffon won practically everything during that time, with the well-documented exception of the Champions League.
However, by becoming the most expensive goalie ever when he joined Juventus in 2001, the show-stopper had a fascinating playing career. Buffon earned a record 12 Serie A goalkeeper of the year accolades and ten league titles with Turin, and he retains the league appearance record with 658 appearances.
6Paolo Maldini
Notable clubs: AC Milan
What AI said: “Why?” Despite never winning the Ballon d’Or, the famous defender finished second in 1995 and third in 2003. Maldini’s five European Cups, seven Serie A crowns, and 25-year stint with AC Milan (1985-2009) have made him a fan favorite. His skill in defending may appeal to voters seeking positional diversity. Challenge: The lack of a Ballon d’Or and defenders’ historical disadvantage harmed his chances.”
The elegant Italian, a roving, technically competent left-back who eventually grew into a clever and composed centre-back, assisted the Rossoneri in winning 25 trophies, including five Champions Leagues and seven Serie A crowns. He never won a title with the Azzuri, and his premature retirement after four World Cup appearances prevented him from participating in the 2006 tournament. But, as a defender who lived by the adage, “If I have to make a tackle, then I’ve already made a mistake,” Paolo Maldini didn’t need worldwide recognition to establish he might be the best defender of all time.
5Marco van Basten
Notable clubs: Ajax, AC Milan
What AI said: “Why?” Van Basten was a successful scorer for AC Milan, winning three European Cups before joining the Champions League. His technical brilliance and early retirement from injury (1995) contribute to a romanticized legacy. Challenge: His career ended in the mid-1990s, making his contribution less important to the 1999-2029 period.
Marco van Basten is widely recognized as one of the finest players to ever play for the Netherlands, as well as one of the best strikers in football history. Throughout his career, the forward won various medals, including two consecutive Champions League crowns with Milan in 1988/89 and 1989/1990. In addition to winning the league with Milan and Ajax, Van Basten was successful with the Netherlands, winning the 1988 European Championship.
Along with his achievements with his separate teams, Van Basten collected numerous individual awards throughout his stellar career, including three Ballon d’Or medals, the FIFA Best Men’s Player Award, and Dutch Footballer of the Year. Unfortunately, his career ended prematurely at the age of 28 (he retired at 31 but did not play for three years while recovering) due to a terrible ankle injury.
4Ronaldo Nazario
Notable clubs: PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan
What AI said: “Why?” R9, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1997, 2002), dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s with his blazing pace and finishing. He won the World Cup (top scorer) in 2002 and has played for Barcelona, Inter, and Real Madrid. His “phenomenal” nickname and cultural impact have endured. Injuries reduced his lifespan, and his heyday (1996-2002) accounts for less of the evaluation time.
Before Cristiano, there was only ‘Ronaldo’. Although much of his incredible talent stemmed from the inspiration he received from his predecessor, Romario, perhaps the most powerful weapon in the Rio de Janeiro striker’s arsenal was his ability to find enlightenment from a variety of sources, shape it together, and then become a better version of those who came before him. As a result, O Fenomeno (‘The Phenomenon’) is often considered as the greatest complete forward in the beautiful game’s history.
At his best, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner was nearly unstoppable, and his ability to shake up the entire back line with a single swift move resulted in an astonishing 371 goals in 580 games. He won the Ballon d’Or twice and finished runner-up in 1996. He also won the World Cup twice, although injuries reduced his longevity.
3Zinedine Zidane
Notable clubs: Bordeuax, Juventus, Real Madrid
What AI said: “Why?” Zidane won the Ballon d’Or in 1998, captained France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and won the Champions League with Real Madrid (2002, legendary volley). His elegance and clutch performances from 1990 to 2006 made him a nostalgic favorite among older voters. Challenge: Only one Ballon d’Or and a shorter peak than Messi and Ronaldo undermine his case.
France has produced many excellent football players. So becoming the ultimate top of what the two-time World Champions produced is no easy task. Unless you’re named Zinedine Zidane. Because then it appears effortless. He won the 1998 Ballon d’Or and the World Cup, and he won 13 major trophies with Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid in 689 appearances, scoring 125 goals and providing 140 assists.
Wearing the number 10 shirt with customary panache, Zidane reinvented what it meant to play in that position, setting the standard for future generations. He had a knack of weaving between defenders as if in a trance, holding them enthralled. Watching him was like entering a world of lucid dreaming, but defeating him was like falling into an endless nightmare.
2Cristiano Ronaldo
Notable clubs: Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus
What AI said: “Why?” Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or victories (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), five Champions League crowns, plus league triumphs in England, Spain, and Italy make him a serious candidate. His all-time goal-scoring record (more than 900 goals), two major international trophies with Portugal (Euro 2016, Nations League 2019), and unwavering work ethic appeal to voters. Many consider him to be the greatest player ever, rivaling Messi. Challenge: Fewer Ballon d’Or wins than Messi and a less decisive World Cup impact may turn voters against him.
A champion in three of Europe’s top football leagues. A leader of a country’s first taste of international success (something Portugal has now accomplished three times). The best player in Real Madrid history. All of these adjectives can be used to describe Cristiano Ronaldo, the icon. However, this is insufficient to place at the top of the AI rankings.
In an era when his greatest adversary appeared to be the single greatest footballer to ever walk onto the pitch, Ronaldo’s ability to gain an advantage in so many different areas is a real credit to his own talent and mind-blowing dedication to the sport. He is the greatest goalscorer the game has ever seen.
However, only a World Cup victory would put him in pole position to become the second recipient of the Super Ballon d’Or, having already won the Ballon d’Or five times – the same number of Champions League titles he now holds.
1Lionel Messi
Notable clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain
What AI said: “Why?” Messi is the overwhelming frontrunner, having won eight Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023), four Champions League titles, ten La Liga titles, a 2022 World Cup, and two Copa America victories. In 2012, he scored 91 goals and demonstrated unrivaled playmaking ability. No athlete has dominated an age like Messi, and his global fan base guarantees substantial voter support. Some say that his later career outside of Europe (Inter Miami) weakens his claims, but his achievements prior to 2023 are outstanding.
The thing about Lionel Messi is that everything that has been said about every other player on this list can be said about him – and more. He’s an elite goalscorer and playmaker in one, a World Cup champion, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, and, in many ways, the greatest footballer of all time.
Twelve domestic league championships. Four Champions Leagues. Two Copa Américas. And that’s just scraping the surface. His accomplishments are so extensive that we could write an entire book only to explain why he deserved the Super Ballon d’Or.
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