The stars who shined but never won the Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football, is one of the most prestigious individual trophies in soccer, recognizing the best player of the year. However, despite their incredible performances and illustrious careers, some of the greatest players in history never had the chance to lift this trophy. From Brazilian legends like Romário and Neymar to other global icons, the list of these overlooked stars includes some of the most influential figures in the game. Let’s take a closer look at some of them and explore why, despite their undeniable talent, they never won the Ballon d’Or.

Romário: the Brazilian genius who missed out due to rules

Romário, one of the most lethal strikers in soccer history, led Brazil to their fourth World Cup title in 1994. He was the standout performer in that tournament, with crucial goals and unforgettable plays. Yet, he did not win the Ballon d’Or. This was due to a rule that, until 1995, restricted the award to European players or those playing in Europe. At that time, Romário was starring for Barcelona, but the rules of the award excluded him from receiving the top individual recognition he so clearly deserved that year.

Romário was recognized as the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1994, but the Ballon d’Or remained out of reach for him. Only in the following year did the award begin to accept players from outside Europe, making it fairer and more global. However, Romário had already missed his biggest chance.

Neymar: brilliance without the top prize

Neymar, one of the most extraordinary talents in modern football, has yet to win the Ballon d’Or. Despite being a key figure in successful seasons with both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian has never been able to surpass Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who dominated the award for over a decade.

Neymar finished third twice, in 2015 and 2017, but never managed to clinch the trophy. Injuries and inconsistent seasons have hindered his chances, and he has had to compete during an era defined by two of the greatest players in football history. Many still believe he has a shot, particularly if he can make an impact in upcoming major international tournaments like the 2026 World Cup.

Raúl González: Madrid’s icon left without the prize

Raúl, one of Real Madrid’s greatest legends, had a career filled with goals and titles. In 2001, he was considered one of the top favorites to win the Ballon d’Or after a spectacular season with the Spanish giants. Raúl scored 46 goals that year and was a central figure in Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga victories.

However, the award went to Michael Owen, a decision many viewed as controversial. Owen had a good season with Liverpool but didn’t maintain the same level of consistency as Raúl that year. Raúl’s absence from the Ballon d’Or winners’ list remains one of the biggest injustices in the history of the award.

Thierry Henry: “King of London” without the crown

Thierry Henry, the star of Arsenal and the French national team, was one of the world’s best forwards during the 2000s. In 2003, following an exceptional season, Henry came very close to winning the Ballon d’Or. He was the standout player for Arsenal, leading them through the Premier League and nearly winning the Champions League. However, the trophy went to Pavel Nedved that year, much to the surprise of many football fans.

Henry finished third in 2006 after leading Arsenal to the Champions League final and helping France reach the World Cup final, but the Ballon d’Or always eluded the French forward.

Iniesta and Xavi: Barcelona’s midfield maestros

Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández were the heart and soul of Barcelona’s midfield and the Spanish national team during their peak years. Together, they won everything there was to win in club and international football, including Champions League titles, European Championships, and a World Cup. Yet, despite their dominance in midfield, neither player won the Ballon d’Or.

Iniesta, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, was widely seen as deserving of the Ballon d’Or that year. However, he finished second behind Lionel Messi. Xavi, similarly, was often on the Ballon d’Or podium but always behind teammates like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who monopolized the award.

Gianluigi Buffon: a legendary goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. In 2006, he came close to winning the Ballon d’Or after leading Italy to World Cup glory, where he was one of the tournament’s heroes. However, the award went to his national team captain, Fabio Cannavaro.

Buffon is one of the few goalkeepers to come so close to winning the Ballon d’Or, highlighting how difficult it is for players in this position to receive top individual recognition. Despite this, his career remains unquestionable, and he continues to be one of football’s greatest icons.

Other stars who missed out

In addition to the players mentioned above, there are several other greats who could have won the Ballon d’Or but, for various reasons, never did. Roberto Carlos, for example, finished second in 1997, losing to his fellow Brazilian, Ronaldo Nazário, another footballing giant. Paolo Maldini, one of the best defenders of all time, also never won, despite his incredible performances for AC Milan and the Italian national team.

Names like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Zico also feature on this list of overlooked stars. Drogba was a Chelsea legend, leading the team to multiple Premier League and Champions League triumphs. Eto’o, with brilliant stints at Barcelona and Inter Milan, was consistently one of the world’s best forwards but never captured the award.

Zico, the “White Pelé,” was a sensation for Flamengo and Brazil but was also hampered by the Ballon d’Or’s rules of the time. Though he was one of the greatest number 10s in history, he never had the chance to compete for the award.

Final thoughts

The Ballon d’Or, as an individual prize in a team sport, will always stir controversy. Many brilliant players go without the recognition they deserve, while others claim the trophy during standout seasons. The list of overlooked stars is long, featuring some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Whether due to rules, the dominance of other greats, or simply bad luck, many incredible talents will never have the golden trophy on their shelf. Yet, their legacies in football are undeniable.