Who Won most Golden Balls?

Golden Ball is awarded to the most prominent player of each year by France Football magazine, which is a milestone in every player’s career. This is also the base for deciding who are the best players in the history of the football world.

Players to Win the Most Golden Balls in History

• Cristiano Ronaldo

The numbers of Golden Ball: 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017)

In 2017, the Golden Ball trophy was awarded to the star of Real Madrid (and now Juventus) and Portugal national football team – Cristiano Ronaldo. This helped his Golden Ball collection to reach 5 – equal to  Lionel Messi’s achievement. 

Until now, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the best player in Portuguese football history. At the same time, he was also the player who scored the most goals when playing for Real Madrid Club. 

He and his teammates helped Real Madrid Club won the La Liga championship, won the Champions League twice in 2014 and 2016, the runner-up in 2004 UEFA Champion League. Especially the 2016 Euro championship helped him become a living legend.

Before joining Real Madrid, he contributed to the success of Manchester United with a Premier League title and Champions League in 2008.

• Lionel Messi

The numbers of Golden Ball: 5 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015)

He is an Argentinian player and currently playing for Barcelona and Argentina national team as a striker. 

He is rated as one of the best players of all time and in the nine-year race to win Golden Ball title with Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi used to be the only winner in this race but now Ronaldo’s achievements have been equal to Messi. Messi has achieved this prestigious title in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

In his football career, Lionel Messi has won many titles with Barcelona, such as eight times to win La Liga, four times to win the Champions League. However, Messi couldn’t show his talent when playing for Argentina national football team as he failed to lead the team into three consecutive finals at the World Cup 2014, 2015 and 2016 Copa America.