The Ballon d'Or is one of football's most prestigious individual awards, traditionally recognising the best player in the world each year. While forwards have dominated the award's history, several legendary midfielders have also earned the honour through their exceptional performances, creativity, leadership and influence on the game.
From Michel Platini's historic hat-trick to Luka Modrić and Rodri's modern-day triumphs, midfielders have occasionally broken the dominance of attacking superstars. Here is a complete list of midfielders who have won the Ballon d'Or, including the years they lifted the coveted trophy.
List of All Midfielders Who Have Won the Ballon d'Or
The following midfielders have won the Ballon d'Or in its history, with their respective winning years and clubs at the time.
1. Luis Suárez (1960) – Barcelona: The Spanish playmaker became the first midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or, thanks to his outstanding performances for Barcelona. His technical ability and vision made him one of Europe's finest players.
2. Josef Masopust (1962) – Dukla Prague: The Czechoslovakian midfielder won the award after leading his country to the 1962 FIFA World Cup final. His influence in the middle of the pitch earned him widespread recognition.
3. Gianni Rivera (1969) – AC Milan: The Italian attacking midfielder was rewarded for his creativity and technical brilliance. Rivera played a crucial role in Milan's European success and became one of Italian football's most celebrated figures.
4. Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985) – Juventus: Platini remains the only midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or three consecutive times. The French legend dominated European football during the 1980s, combining goalscoring ability, playmaking and leadership.
5. Ruud Gullit (1987) – AC Milan: The Dutch midfielder won the award after starring for Milan and helping the Netherlands establish themselves among Europe's elite. His versatility, strength and technical quality made him a complete footballer.
6. Lothar Matthäus (1990) – Inter Milan: Matthäus received the Ballon d'Or following a superb year that included captaining West Germany to World Cup glory in Italy. His passing, tackling and powerful runs made him one of the era's finest midfielders.
7. Matthias Sammer (1996) – Borussia Dortmund: Sammer won the award after helping Germany triumph at Euro 1996. Although often associated with a defensive role, his position in midfield during parts of his career places him among the game's celebrated midfield winners.
8. Zinedine Zidane (1998) – Juventus: Zidane claimed the Ballon d'Or after inspiring France to their first World Cup title. His elegance, close control and ability to dictate matches established him as one of football's greatest playmakers.
9. Pavel Nedvěd (2003) – Juventus: The Czech midfielder won the award following a superb season for Juventus. His relentless energy, long-range shooting and versatility helped him stand out among Europe's elite players.
10. Kaká (2007) – AC Milan: The Brazilian attacking midfielder was recognised after leading Milan to Champions League glory in 2007. His explosive dribbling, incisive passing and goalscoring contributions made him the world's standout player that year.
11. Luka Modrić (2018) – Real Madrid: Modrić ended Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's decade-long duopoly on the award. His exceptional performances for Real Madrid and Croatia, including reaching the World Cup final, earned him football's highest individual honour.
12. Rodri (2024) – Manchester City: The Spanish defensive midfielder won the Ballon d'Or after an outstanding season for club and country. His composure, tactical intelligence and ability to control games were instrumental in Manchester City's success and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
Conclusion
Midfielders have played a defining role in football history, even if Ballon d'Or winners have more frequently come from attacking positions. From Suárez and Platini to Modrić and Rodri, these 12 players demonstrated that controlling games, creating chances and delivering decisive performances can be just as valuable as scoring goals.
Their achievements underline the importance of midfield excellence in shaping football's greatest teams and defining its most memorable eras.
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