Top Football Legends Who Never Won the Ballon d’Or

Some of the greatest footballers in history have dazzled fans with skill, goals, and trophies, yet surprisingly never lifted the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in football. Names like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard remain absent from the winners’ list despite their legendary status.

The Ballon d’Or has been awarded annually since 1956 and has gone to many of the game’s best players, including Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo. However, since 2008, the dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has left little room for others. During that period, even players who defined generations missed out, despite their remarkable achievements.

Dennis Bergkamp, remembered for his brilliance at Arsenal, had unforgettable moments like his World Cup goal against Argentina in 1998 and his hat-trick against Leicester in 1997. Yet, despite his Premier League success, his Ballon d’Or recognition came before his time in England. Thierry Henry, another Arsenal icon and the club’s all-time top scorer, also failed to win despite dominating Europe’s top leagues and twice finishing in the top three.

Neymar, regarded as one of the most gifted forwards of his generation, became Brazil’s all-time top scorer and achieved more than 400 career goals. With record-breaking transfers and glittering spells at Barcelona and PSG, many expected him to win. But even with such accolades, the Ballon d’Or voters never placed him at the very top. Robert Lewandowski, who scored 55 goals in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning 2020 season, was widely tipped to win, but the award was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and his golden chance slipped away.

Midfield great Andrés Iniesta also joins the list. A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Iniesta won everything with club and country, including the World Cup, where he scored the winning goal in 2010. He came close to the Ballon d’Or in 2010 and 2012 but was overshadowed by Messi’s brilliance. Similarly, David Beckham, who became a global icon and starred for Manchester United and Real Madrid, was runner-up in 1999 but never claimed the top prize.

Ryan Giggs, the most decorated Premier League player, spent his entire career at Manchester United, winning 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues. Despite his longevity and brilliance, the award eluded him. Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, came close as well, known for his goalscoring from midfield and his vital role in Chelsea’s success. Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s captain and Champions League hero in 2005, inspired one of the greatest comebacks in football history, but also missed out.

The absence of these legends from the winners’ list shows how tough the Ballon d’Or has been to claim, especially during an era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo. While they may not have won football’s biggest individual award, their legacy and impact on the game remain unforgettable.