While the Ballon d'Or has long been regarded as the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, it often overlooks some of the most exceptional talents.
History teaches us that greatness isn't merely defined by accolades or trophies; rather, it is often intertwined with timing, fortune, and sometimes, sheer misfortune. Exploring the list of players below reveals a paradox: their undeniable brilliance stands in stark contrast to the absence of the coveted golden ball.
Here Are the Top 9 Football Players Who Never or Haven't Won the Ballon d'Or
1. Andres Iniesta
Career Span: 2002–2024
Achievements: 9 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 1 World Cup
Andres Iniesta, the midfield maestro for Barcelona and Spain, was a pivotal figure in both teams’ successes. Iniesta’s selfless style and vision saw him dominate games without always standing out statistically. Despite top-three finishes in 2010 and 2012, playing alongside Lionel Messi may have made it nearly impossible for him to win the Ballon d'Or, even after scoring the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.
2. Xavi Hernandez
Career Span: 1998–2019
Achievements: 8 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 1 World Cup
A midfield genius for Barcelona and Spain, Xavi Hernandez was the metronome behind one of the most dominant teams in history. Ranking highly in our list of 10 best Barcelona midfielders of all-time, his vision, passing, and tactical awareness made him indispensable, though he was often overshadowed by his teammates' goal-scoring feats. Like Iniesta, he was runner-up multiple times (2009, 2010, 2011), but his legacy in modern football remains unmatched.
3. Paolo Maldini
Career Span: 1984–2009
Achievements: 7 Serie A titles, 5 Champions League titles, 126 Italy caps
A defensive giant for AC Milan and Italy, Paolo Maldini redefined consistency, intelligence, and leadership in defence. He finished third in Ballon d'Or voting twice (1994, 2003), and although defenders seldom receive such recognition, Maldini was widely regarded as one of the best. His one-club loyalty and enduring excellence earned him a legendary status that speaks louder than any individual award.
4. Ferenc Puskas
Career Span: 1943–1966
Achievements: 5 La Liga titles, 5 Hungarian League titles, 3 European Cups
Ferenc Puskas was one of the most prolific scorers of all time, boasting 84 goals in 85 international games for Hungary and a remarkable record with Real Madrid. Puskas was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 1960, yet his peak years came before the award existed, limiting his chances. His name lives on through the FIFA Puskas Award for best goal, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on the game.
5. Robert Lewandowski
Career Span: 2005–present
Achievements: 10 Bundesliga titles, 1 Champions League title, 1 La Liga title
Robert Lewandowski’s omission from the 2020 Ballon d'Or list remains one of the most debated decisions in football history. That year, Lewandowski had an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, scoring a staggering 55 goals across all competitions and leading his team to a historic treble, including the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, France Football decided to cancel the award, denying him the recognition he undoubtedly deserved. Many believe that had the awards proceeded as usual, Lewandowski would have finally claimed the prestigious trophy, which has eluded him throughout his stellar career. His continued excellence at Barcelona has reignited discussions about his legacy, reminding fans and pundits alike of his extraordinary talent.
6. Thierry Henry
Career Span: 1994–2014
Achievements: 2 Premier League & La Liga titles, 1 Champions League, 1 World Cup
Thierry Henry was a terror for defences during his time with Arsenal and Barcelona. Known for his explosive pace, deft footwork, and lethal finishing, Henry was twice in the Ballon d'Or top three (2003, 2006). Despite his extraordinary Premier League performances, he narrowly missed out, with a lack of European silverware at Arsenal possibly affecting his chances.
7. Jimmy Greaves
Career Span: 1957–1980
Achievements: 2 FA Cups, 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup, 44 goals for England in 57 appearances
Jimmy Greaves’s talent in front of goal was unrivalled, and his clinical finishing and composure made him one of England's finest forwards in history. Despite his prolific scoring, Greaves only placed among the Ballon d'Or finalists once, finishing third in 1963. His career was punctuated by a memorable run at Tottenham, yet he is perhaps best remembered for his incredible England record and goal-scoring consistency.
8. Raul Gonzalez
Career Span: 1994–2015
Achievements: 6 La Liga titles, 3 Champions League titles
Raul spent 16 years with Real Madrid, consistently leading the attack and setting records in the Champions League. Known for his skill, positioning, and longevity, Raul was never awarded the Ballon d'Or, despite being in the running for over a decade. His tenure with Madrid remains legendary, and he finished his career as one of Spain’s greatest forwards, respected by fans and opponents alike.
9. Vinicius Junior
Career Span: 2018–present
Achievements: 3 La Liga titles, 2 Champions League titles
Vinicius Junior’s explosive 2023-24 season helped Real Madrid secure La Liga and Champions League titles, making him a top Ballon d'Or candidate alongside teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
Vinicius contributed 20 goal involvements in La Liga and 10 in the Champions League, including a superb goal in the final, but missed out on the award to Manchester City’s Rodri. Frustrations ran high at Madrid, with Los Blancos ultimately declining to attend the event.
Vinicius believes his outspoken fight against racism may have influenced the voting, given his experiences with racial abuse and his call for greater accountability within Spanish football. Despite the disappointment, Vinicius is unwavering, declaring: “I will do it 10 times if I have to,” committed to his stand against discrimination even at personal cost. Vinicius Jr. facts from childhood in Rio de Janeiro offer insight into the Brazilian ace.
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