List of Ballon d'Or Trophy Winners Throughout History, Messi Adds Another to His Collection

The Ballon d'Or is an annual individual award in football, presented by the French sports magazine *France Football* since 1956.

According to *Sporting News*, the 2023 Ballon d'Or trophy was once again won by the Argentinian national team star, Lionel Messi.

This solidifies Messi's position as the footballer with the most Ballon d'Or awards of all time, having collected 8 trophies throughout his 20-year career.

The player nicknamed "La Pulga" (The Flea) ranked first out of 30 nominees. He beat Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who came in second, and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé, who came in third.

Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 5 Ballon d'Or trophies. The Portuguese star won his first trophy while playing for Manchester United in 2008.

However, Ronaldo's greatest Ballon d'Or success came during his time with Real Madrid.

While playing for Los Blancos, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or for almost four consecutive years: 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.

Below is a list of the Ballon d'Or winners with the most awards since 1956-2023, as reported by *Sporting News*:

1. Lionel Messi: 8 trophies (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: 5 trophies (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
3. Michel Platini: 3 trophies (1983, 1984, 1985)
4. Johan Cruyff: 3 trophies (1971, 1973, 1974)
5. Marco van Basten: 3 trophies (1988, 1989, 1992)
6. Franz Beckenbauer: 2 trophies (1972, 1976)
7. Ronaldo: 2 trophies (1997, 2002)
8. Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2 trophies (1957, 1959)
9. Kevin Keegan: 2 trophies (1978, 1979)
10. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: 2 trophies (1980, 1981)

(See also: List of UEFA Euro Winners from 1960-2020: Who Won the Most Cups?)