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Players with the Most Onze d'Or Awards in Football History

Discover the footballers with the most Onze d'Or awards in history, from Lionel Messi's four wins to Mbappé's first triumph in 2026.

25.10.2026
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Players with the Most Onze d'Or Awards in Football

We are here with the list of Top Players with Most Number of Onze d'Or Awards in Football History.


Kylian Mbappé has won the 2026 Onze d'Or award after an outstanding individual season with Real Madrid. The French forward received 48.2% of the votes from readers of Onze Mondial, finishing ahead of Paris Saint-Germain duo João Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. It is the first Onze d'Or triumph of Mbappé's career, adding another individual honour to his impressive collection.


While Mbappé has now joined the list of winners, he still has a long way to go to challenge Lionel Messi's record. The Argentine legend remains the most successful player in the history of the Onze d'Or, having won the prestigious award four times.


Players with the Most Onze d'Or Awards of All Time

The Onze d'Or, presented by French football magazine Onze Mondial, recognises the best footballer of the season through reader voting. Here are the players who have won the award multiple times.


1. Lionel Messi – 4 Wins

Lionel Messi sits comfortably at the top of the Onze d'Or winners list with four titles. The Argentine superstar claimed the award in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018, reflecting his extraordinary influence on football across different eras.


His combination of goalscoring, playmaking and consistency helped him dominate individual awards for much of his career. Messi has also collected four Onze d'Argent (Silver) awards, giving him eight total podium finishes.


2. Zinedine Zidane – 3 Wins

Zinedine Zidane ranks second with three Onze d'Or awards. The French midfield maestro won the honour in 1998, 2000 and 2001, establishing himself as one of the most influential players of his generation.


Known for his exceptional technique, vision and composure, Zidane enjoyed memorable spells at Juventus and Real Madrid. He also recorded three silver finishes and one bronze, taking his total Onze d'Or podium appearances to seven.


3. Michel Platini – 3 Wins

Michel Platini also won the Onze d'Or three times, matching Zidane's tally. The former France international earned recognition in 1983, 1984 and 1985 during a remarkable period in European football.


Platini's achievements included three consecutive Ballon d'Or victories from 1983 to 1985. His creativity, passing and goalscoring from midfield made him one of the defining players of the 1980s.


4. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2 Wins

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Onze d'Or twice, in 2008 and 2017. The Portuguese forward also finished second three times and third twice, giving him seven podium finishes.


His longevity, athleticism and remarkable goalscoring record for Manchester United, Real Madrid and other clubs have established him among football's all-time greats.


5. Kevin Keegan – 2 Wins

English legend Kevin Keegan claimed two Onze d'Or awards during his distinguished career. Renowned for his attacking intelligence and work rate, Keegan enjoyed successful spells with Liverpool and Hamburg, becoming one of Europe's standout players during the late 1970s.


6. Marco van Basten – 2 Wins

Dutch striker Marco van Basten also secured two Onze d'Or titles. Celebrated for his finishing, technical ability and memorable performances for AC Milan and the Netherlands, he remains one of the most admired forwards in football history.


7. Thierry Henry – 2 Wins

Arsenal and France icon Thierry Henry won the Onze d'Or twice. His blistering pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing made him a defining figure in the Premier League and European football.


8. Diego Maradona – 2 Wins

Argentine great Diego Maradona earned two Onze d'Or awards. His extraordinary dribbling, creativity and leadership, particularly at Napoli and the 1986 World Cup, cemented his legacy as one of the sport's greatest talents.


9. Karim Benzema – 2 Wins

Karim Benzema won consecutive Onze d'Or awards in 2021 and 2022. The French striker enjoyed a remarkable peak at Real Madrid, combining clinical finishing and creative link-up play to become one of Europe's most influential forwards.


10. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 Wins

German legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed back-to-back Onze d'Or titles in 1980 and 1981. A prolific forward for Bayern Munich and West Germany, he earned recognition for his technical quality, movement and goalscoring prowess.


11. Ronaldo Nazário – 2 Wins

Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário won the Onze d'Or in 1997 and 2002. Nicknamed R9, he became famous for his explosive pace, extraordinary dribbling and clinical finishing, establishing himself as one of football's greatest natural goalscorers.


Can Mbappé Challenge Messi's Onze d'Or Record?

Mbappé's first Onze d'Or victory in 2026 places him among the award's distinguished winners. However, Messi's four titles remain the benchmark, with Zidane and Platini sharing second place on three each.


With several seasons potentially still ahead of him, Mbappé has an opportunity to add to his tally. Whether he can approach Messi's record will depend on his performances, consistency and future reader votes.