Take a look at all of the past winners…

1999: Rivaldo

Rivaldo’s technical brilliance and incredible goals helped Barcelona to a La Liga title and earned him the Ballon d’Or. His free-kick and long-range goals marked him as a playmaker who could also score with style.

2000: Luis Figo

Figo’s exceptional dribbling and playmaking earned him the award, particularly after his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid. His consistency as a creator and leader was pivotal for club and country.

2001: Michael Owen

Owen’s pace and goal-scoring led Liverpool to five trophies, including the UEFA Cup and FA Cup. His memorable performances, especially in the FA Cup final, showcased his skill and finishing ability.

2002: Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo’s comeback after a knee injury was remarkable, capped by his eight goals at the 2002 World Cup, helping Brazil lift the trophy. His speed and finishing made him unstoppable, and his move to Real Madrid sealed his star status.

2003: Pavel Nedvěd

Nedvěd’s work rate, vision, and goals helped Juventus win Serie A and reach the Champions League final. His all-around ability as a midfielder and key goals, particularly in Europe, earned him the award.

2004: Andriy Shivchenko

Shevchenko’s goal-scoring prowess led AC Milan to Serie A victory, and he finished as the league’s top scorer. His clinical finishing and powerful runs made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers.

2005: Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho’s extraordinary dribbling, creativity, and joyful style led Barcelona to La Liga glory. His performances, including iconic goals and assists, made him the face of football and a global icon.

2006: Fabio Cannavaro

Cannavaro’s defensive leadership was key to Italy’s World Cup win, earning him the nickname “The Berlin Wall.” His reading of the game and tackling ability made him the first defender in a decade to win the award.

2007: Kaká

Kaká’s pace, vision, and clinical finishing led AC Milan to Champions League success. His displays, particularly against Manchester United, highlighted his brilliance in the midfield.

2008: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s 42 goals helped United win the Premier League and Champions League. His speed, shooting, and aerial ability marked him as one of the most complete players in the world.

2009: Lionel Messi

Messi’s dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring helped Barcelona to a historic treble. His memorable performances in the Champions League, particularly against Manchester United, were a testament to his skill.

2010: Lionel Messi

Messi’s 47 goals and playmaking helped Barcelona to a La Liga title. His consistency and skill kept him as the best player in the world despite stiff competition.

2011: Lionel Messi

Another stellar season, Messi’s 53 goals and assists helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Champions League, including a standout performance in the final against Manchester United.

2012: Lionel Messi

Messi broke records with 91 goals in a calendar year, setting a new standard for scoring in football. His agility, dribbling, and finishing were unmatched.

2013: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s record-breaking goal tally in the Champions League and decisive performances, especially in the playoffs for the 2014 World Cup, won him his second Ballon d’Or.

2014: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo led Real Madrid to La Décima (10th Champions League title), scoring 17 goals in the competition. His pace, power, and finishing were exceptional.

2015: Lionel Messi – one more time!

Messi’s playmaking and 58 goals helped Barcelona win a second treble. His performances, including goals and assists in key matches, redefined the game.

2016: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s Champions League win with Real Madrid and European Championship victory with Portugal proved his versatility and leadership on the biggest stages.

2017: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s dominance in the Champions League and La Liga cemented his place among the best. His goal scoring ability in key matches was crucial to Real Madrid’s success.

2018: Luka Modrić

Modrić’s midfield mastery led Real Madrid to the Champions League and Croatia to the World Cup final. His vision and control made him the standout player.

2019: Lionel Messi

Messi’s 50 goals and assists highlighted his consistency. Despite limited team success, his individual brilliance earned him a record sixth Ballon d’Or.

2021: Lionel Messi

Messi led Argentina to a Copa America title, ending a personal international trophy drought. His creative play and leadership proved decisive in key moments.

2022: Kareem Benzema

Benzema’s 44 goals helped Real Madrid secure both La Liga and the Champions League. His incredible scoring streak and match-winning performances earned him a first Ballon d’Or.

2023: Lionel Messi

Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or after guiding Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. His leadership and performances throughout the tournament, including the dramatic final, solidified his legacy.

2024: Rodri

Rodri’s consistent performances and ability to dominate the midfield were key to Manchester City’s Premier League win and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. His tactical intelligence and contributions in both attack and defense earned him his first Ballon d’Or.