The Ballon d'Or is viewed as one of the most prestigious awards in football history, which is why we compiled a list of the footballers with the highest nominations for the award.
In the history of the Ballon d'Or, only a few have maintained their brilliance on the pitch, which is why we compiled a list of these 10 players with the highest nominations since its inception.
The history of the Ballon d'Or dates as far back as 1956; numerous players have been nominated due to their contribution to their teams at the club and international levels.
How Many Footballers Have Won The Ballon d'Or?
Since its inception, only 25 players have won the Ballon d'Or awards, and only 10 players have won the prestigious award more than once.
Who Are The Footballers That Have The Highest Ballon d'Or Nomination?
- Thierry Henry
- Neymar Jr.
- Karim Benzema
- Gianluigi Buffon
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Franz Beckenbauer
- Johan Cruyff
- Paolo Maldini
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
How Many Times Has Thierry Henry Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
Arguably one of the greatest French players to grace the beautiful game of football, Thierry Henry has received a total of 9 nominations for the Ballon d'Or. It is still debated why the Arsenal legend and former Barcelona star never owned the Ballon d'Or after several individual achievements.
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How Many Times Has Neymar Jr. Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
The Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.'s talent is undeniable, which is why he has received 9 nominations. The PSG and Brazil star, who is still active, would be looking to extend his record in a new football year.
How Many Times Has Karim Benzema Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
The Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema has 10 Ballon d'Or nominations so far. The talented player has been very influential for both his club (Real Madrid) and his country (France).
How Many Times Has Gianluigi Buffon Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
Buffon is the only goalkeeper in the history of the Ballon d'Or to receive 11 nominations for the prestigious award. He was an influential figure for the Italian National Team as well as Juventus.
How Many Times Has Zlatan Ibrahimovic Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
The Swedish 'Lion' as he is called, has received a total of 11 nominations, although he has never won the award before. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the ageless players in the game of football as he still plays at the age of 40.
How Many Times Has Franz Beckenbauer Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
The German legend, who is also a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, has received a total of 12 nominations in his illustrious career as a defender and footballer. Franz Beckenbauer, who is also called 'The Emperor', is one of the only managers to win the FIFA World Cup as a player and as a coach of the National team.
How Many Times Has Johan Cruyff Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
Johan Cruyff is viewed as a legend in Dutch football and at the Spanish football club, Barcelona. Cruyff is a three times Ballon d'Or winner who has received 12 nominations in his over 500 appearances for both club and country.
How Many Times Has Paolo Maldini Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
The Italian maestro, Paolo Maldini, at the centre or left-back in over 750 games for both club (AC Milan) and country (Italy) has received a total of 13 nominations but has never won the award. He came in second behind George Weah in 1995 and was also a runner up in 1994 and 2003
How Many Times Has Lionel Messi Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players to ever grace the beautiful game of football, has 15 nominations in his career so far, but he is still the footballer with the highest Ballon d'Or awards. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or seven times.
How Many Times Has Cristiano Ronaldo Been Nominated For The Ballon d'Or?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer in history to have a whopping amount of 17 Ballon d'Or nominations in his career as a footballer. The Portuguese legend has also won the award 5 times in his career.
