The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most prestigious individual awards, recognising the best players in the world for their performances over a season. Since its introduction in 1956, the award has celebrated legendary footballers from several countries, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo., Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.
Some nations have enjoyed considerably more success than others, thanks to generations of exceptional talent. Here are the top five countries with the most Ballon d’Or wins in football history.
5. Germany – 7 Ballon d’Or Wins
Germany has produced several Ballon d’Or winners, with its seven victories spread across five different players. The country’s success reflects its rich footballing history, particularly during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Gerd Müller became the first German winner in 1970 after his outstanding performances for Bayern Munich and West Germany. Franz Beckenbauer followed in 1972 and 1976, establishing himself as one of the greatest defenders in football history.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won consecutive awards in 1980 and 1981, while Lothar Matthäus claimed the honour in 1990 after helping West Germany win the FIFA World Cup.
Matthias Sammer completed Germany’s list in 1996 following an impressive year with Borussia Dortmund and the German national team.
German Ballon d’Or winners: Gerd Müller (1), Franz Beckenbauer (2), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (2), Lothar Matthäus (1) and Matthias Sammer (1).
4. The Netherlands – 7 Ballon d’Or Wins
The Netherlands has also recorded seven Ballon d’Or victories, with three legendary players responsible for its entire collection.
Johan Cruyff won the award three times in 1971, 1973 and 1974. Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest innovators, Cruyff influenced generations of players through his technical ability, intelligence and contribution to Total Football.
Ruud Gullit became the next Dutch winner in 1987 after his performances for AC Milan and the Netherlands. Marco van Basten then dominated the award, winning it in 1988, 1989 and 1992.
Despite its relatively small population, the Netherlands has consistently developed technically gifted footballers who have influenced the game at the highest level.
Dutch Ballon d’Or winners: Johan Cruyff (3), Ruud Gullit (1) and Marco van Basten (3).
3. Portugal – 7 Ballon d’Or Wins
Portugal has seven Ballon d’Or victories, with Cristiano Ronaldo accounting for five of them. The country's success spans several generations, beginning with Eusébio in the 1960s.
Eusébio won the award in 1965 after an outstanding season with Benfica. Luís Figo followed in 2000, becoming the first Portuguese player since Eusébio to receive the honour.
Cristiano Ronaldo subsequently established himself as one of the greatest players in football history. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, thanks to his prolific goalscoring, individual brilliance and success with Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Ronaldo’s five victories have made Portugal one of the most successful nations in the award’s history.
Portuguese Ballon d’Or winners: Eusébio (1), Luís Figo (1) and Cristiano Ronaldo (5).
2. France – 8 Ballon d’Or Wins
France has won the Ballon d’Or eight times through six different players, making it one of the most successful nations in the award’s history.
Raymond Kopa became France’s first winner in 1958 after an excellent season with Real Madrid. Michel Platini then enjoyed an extraordinary period, winning three consecutive awards in 1983, 1984 and 1985 while playing for Juventus.
Jean-Pierre Papin claimed the award in 1991 with Marseille, before Zinedine Zidane won it in 1998 following his influential performances for Juventus and France. Karim Benzema added another victory in 2022 after a remarkable campaign with Real Madrid.
Ousmane Dembélé became France’s latest winner in 2025 after starring for Paris Saint-Germain during their historic campaign.
French Ballon d’Or winners: Raymond Kopa (1), Michel Platini (3), Jean-Pierre Papin (1), Zinedine Zidane (1), Karim Benzema (1) and Ousmane Dembélé (1)
1. Argentina – 8 Ballon d’Or Wins
Argentina shares the top position with France, having collected eight Ballon d’Or awards through Lionel Messi alone.
Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 after helping Barcelona enjoy a historic season. He subsequently won the award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
His remarkable consistency, extraordinary goalscoring record and playmaking ability have established him as one of football’s greatest-ever players. His 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina further strengthened his legacy, although his eighth Ballon d’Or came in 2023.
Argentina’s total is particularly impressive because every one of its eight victories has been claimed by the same player. Messi remains the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or wins by an individual.
Argentine Ballon d’Or winner: Lionel Messi (8).
Conclusion
Argentina and France lead the rankings with eight Ballon d’Or wins each, followed by Portugal, the Netherlands and Germany, who have seven apiece. While Argentina’s success is entirely down to Messi, France has enjoyed victories across six different players.
These figures highlight the individual brilliance and footballing traditions that have shaped the award’s history. With new generations emerging, the rankings could change in the years ahead.
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