The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football, recognizing the best players for their performances throughout the year. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 5 Ballon d’Or winners, who have etched their names in football history.

5. Marco van Basten – 3 Ballon d’Or Wins

Years Won: 1988, 1989, 1992
Nationality: Netherlands
Club (During Wins): AC Milan

Why He Won:
Van Basten earned his Ballon d’Ors through dazzling performances for AC Milan and the Dutch national team. His unforgettable volley in the Euro 1988 final became one of the most iconic goals in football history. He helped Milan dominate Europe during a golden era under Arrigo Sacchi.

Playing Style:
A technically gifted striker with elegant finishing, aerial dominance, and a natural sense for goal. Van Basten was clinical and composed, and thrived under pressure.

4. Johan Cruyff – 3 Ballon d’Or Wins

Most Ballon d’Or Wins: Which Footballer Holds the Record?

Years Won: 1971, 1973, 1974
Nationality: Netherlands
Clubs (During Wins): Ajax, FC Barcelona

Why He Won:
Johan Cruyff symbolized the philosophy of “Total Football,” and his influence stretched beyond the pitch. He guided Ajax to European dominance and later became a key figure in shaping FC Barcelona’s identity. His Ballon d’Ors came during the height of Dutch football’s rise in the early 70s.

Playing Style:
Highly intelligent, creative, and elegant — Cruyff played as a free-roaming forward who could pass, dribble, and score with ease. His football IQ was unmatched.

3. Michel Platini – 3 Ballon d’Or Wins

Years Won: 1983, 1984, 1985
Nationality: France
Club (During Wins): Juventus

Why He Won:
Michel Platini was the heartbeat of France’s midfield and the leader of a Juventus side that conquered Europe. His back-to-back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins were anchored by his commanding performances at UEFA Euro 1984, where he was top scorer and led France to victory.

Playing Style:
A classic No.10 with supreme vision, passing, and finishing. Platini was a master technician who dictated the tempo and always found a way to influence the game

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 Ballon d’Or Wins

Years Won: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
Nationality: Portugal
Clubs (During Wins): Manchester United, Real Madrid

Why He Won:
Cristiano Ronaldo built his Ballon d’Or legacy with explosive speed, incredible athleticism, and a relentless hunger for goals. He claimed Ballon d’Ors for his performances with Manchester United and especially Real Madrid, where he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles and led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.

Playing Style:
A powerful and versatile forward, Ronaldo is known for his ability to score from anywhere on the pitch — whether with his head, either foot, or from set pieces

1. Lionel Messi – 8 Ballon d’Or Wins

Years Won: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
Nationality: Argentina
Clubs (During Wins): FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain

Why He Won:

Lionel Messi’s unmatched creativity, vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability made him the ultimate footballer of his generation. His early Ballon d’Ors were won during Barcelona’s golden era, while his later awards were influenced by international success — including Copa America 2021 and FIFA World Cup 2022, which played a key role in securing his 2023 title.

Playing Style:

An elegant left-footed attacker with exceptional playmaking ability, Messi is known for his close control, agility, and passing, as well as his extraordinary goal tally.

Quick Summary Table

Rank	Player	Ballon d’Or Wins	Playing Style	Major Club(s)	National Team Highlight
1	Lionel Messi	8	Playmaker, dribbler, goal scorer	Barcelona, PSG	World Cup 2022 Winner
2	Cristiano Ronaldo	5	Powerful forward, versatile finisher	Man United, Real Madrid	Euro 2016 Champion
3	Michel Platini	3	Classic No.10, free-kick specialist	Juventus	Euro 1984 Champion
4	Johan Cruyff	3	Visionary forward, Total Football leader	Ajax, Barcelona	World Cup 1974 Finalist
5	Marco van Basten	3	Elegant striker, clinical finisher	AC Milan	Euro 1988 Winner