The Ballon d'Or is one of football's most prestigious awards, recognizing the best-performing player globally. This iconic award dates back to its establishment in 1956.
Recently, Ballon d'Or organizers reignited the excitement surrounding the once-in-a-lifetime "Super Ballon d’Or" through a video shared on their social media handles. Awarded only once in history, in 1989, they posed the intriguing question: who would claim it if awarded today?
The Super Ballon d'Or is considered the pinnacle of football greatness and was first presented to Alfredo Di Stefano, a Real Madrid legend and iconic player for Spain’s national team.
Securing this extraordinary honor is no small feat. Candidates must meet stringent criteria, including winning multiple Ballon d’Or trophies, commanding significant votes from France Football readers, and garnering strong support from fellow Ballon d'Or winners.
In its historic debut, Alfredo Di Stefano claimed the Super Ballon d'Or, having previously won two Ballon d'Or titles in 1957 and 1959. Johan Cruyff followed closely as a three-time Ballon d'Or winner in 1971, 1973, and 1974. Meanwhile, Michel Platini, who held Ballon d'Or wins from 1982 and 1985, claimed third in the rankings.
Reports now suggest that this esteemed award could resurface in 2029, marking the 40th anniversary of its inception. Standing as potential frontrunners are Lionel Messi, boasting an unprecedented eight Ballon d'Or wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with five monumental victories to his name.
Could Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi reignite their rivalry for the rare Super Ballon d'Or?
Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo hold an unparalleled legacy, dominating Ballon d'Or discussions for decades.