Most Valuable Footballers: The 14 Most Recent Ballon d'Or Winners

• Nationality: Argentinian
• Club: Inter Miami
• Points: 613

Kicking off our list of recent Ballon d'Or winners, Messi spent the majority of his club career with FC Barcelona where he became the club's all-time leading scorer and won numerous domestic and international titles. This included multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles. In August 2021, due to financial difficulties faced by FC Barcelona and limitations imposed by La Liga's financial regulations, Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer, signing a contract with the French club.

Messi has also had a successful international career with the Argentina national team. He helped lead Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, which was his first major international title with the national team. That international trophy is a large part why Messi won his record breaking 7th Ballon d'Or in 2021.

• Nationality: Spanish
• Club: Barcelona
• Points: 266

Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or forward for FC Barcelona Femení and the Spain national team. Born on January 18, 1998, in Valencia, Spain, she has been part of the successful Barcelona women's team that has achieved significant success both domestically and internationally. She helped lead Spain to the Women's World Cup championship and is a large part to why she lifted the Ballon D'or.

• Nationality: French
• Club: Real Madrid
• Points: 549

Karim Benzema is a French professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the world is the newest entry on our list of most recent Ballon d'Or winners. He was born on December 19, 1987, in Lyon, France. Benzema is known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, technical skills, and versatility on the field.

During his time at Real Madrid, Benzema has enjoyed immense success, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies. He was awarded his first Ballon d'Or trophy after scoring 44 goals across all competitions for Madrid.

• Nationality: Spanish
• Club: Barcelona
• Points: 178

Alexia Putellas is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona Femení and the Spain women's national football team. She has been a key player for Barcelona and played a crucial role in the team's success, including winning the UEFA Women's Champions League. She has been awarded the Ballon D'or twice in her career.

• Nationality: Croatian
• Club: Real Madrid
• Points: 753

Luka Modrić, the Croatian midfielder, won the Ballon d'Or in 2018. Ending the Ronaldo-Messi Era: Modrić's win ended the decade-long dominance of the Ballon d'Or by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo had won the award alternately from 2008 to 2017, with Messi winning it five times and Ronaldo winning it five times during that period.

In 2018, Modrić played a crucial role in helping the Croatian national team reach the FIFA World Cup Final, where they ultimately lost to France. However, his performances throughout the tournament, including his leadership and playmaking abilities, garnered significant attention and praise.

• Nationality: American
• Club: Reign FC
• Points: 230

Megan Rapinoe won the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2019. Megan Rapinoe is an American professional soccer player who has been a prominent figure in women's football. She played a crucial role in the United States women's national soccer team, helping them win the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2019. Rapinoe's performances on the field, coupled with her advocacy for gender equality and social justice, contributed to her receiving the prestigious Ballon d'Or Féminin.

• Nationality: Portuguese
• Club: Real Madrid
• Points: 946

In 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo had an exceptional year both at the club and international levels, which contributed to his Ballon d'Or win. Ronaldo played a crucial role in helping Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League during the 2016-2017 season. He scored twice in the final against Juventus, helping Real Madrid secure their third consecutive Champions League title.

Ronaldo also helped Real Madrid win La Liga in the 2016-2017 season, contributing with numerous goals and consistent performances. He continued to be a prolific scorer, maintaining a high goal-scoring rate for both club and country. His goal-scoring prowess was a significant factor in his Ballon d'Or win.

• Nationality: Norwegian
• Club: Lyon
• Points: 136

Ada Hegerberg, a Norwegian footballer, won the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018. Ada Hegerberg has been a standout player for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in France, contributing significantly to their success in domestic and international competitions, including UEFA Women's Champions League titles.

• Nationality: Brazilian
• Club: AC Milan
• Points: 444

Kaká, the Brazilian midfielder, won the Ballon d'Or in 2007. In 2007, Kaká had a remarkable season with both his club, AC Milan, and the Brazilian national team. He played a pivotal role in helping AC Milan win the UEFA Champions League during the 2006-2007 season, finishing as the tournament's top score. AC Milan defeated Liverpool in the final to claim the title.

Kaká's performances were characterized by his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. He was known for his ability to orchestrate play from midfield and contribute with important goals. His Ballon d'Or win in 2007 marked a significant moment in his career and solidified his status as one of the top footballers of his era.

• Nationality: Italian
• Club: Real Madrid
• Points: 173

Fabio Cannavaro, the Italian defender, won the Ballon d'Or in 2006. The most prominent reason for Cannavaro's Ballon d'Or win was his outstanding performance in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He captained the Italian national team to victory in the tournament, and his leadership and defensive prowess were crucial in Italy's success.

Cannavaro was known for his exceptional defensive skills, including his tackling, positioning, and ability to read the game. His performances in both the World Cup and at the club level were widely praised. It's relatively rare for defenders to win the Ballon d'Or, as the award often goes to attacking players. Cannavaro's win in 2006 was seen as a recognition of the importance of defensive excellence in football.

• Nationality: Brazilian
• Club: Barcelona
• Points: 225

Ronaldinho, the Brazilian football legend, won the FIFA World Player of the Year award, which was later merged with the Ballon d'Or in 2010. The Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year were two separate awards until they merged. The Ballon d'Or is awarded by France Football, while the FIFA World Player of the Year was presented by FIFA. Ronaldinho's achievements and impact on the football world during the mid-2000s played a significant role in earning him these prestigious individual honors.

• Nationality: Ukrainian
• Club: Milan
• Points: 175

Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian footballer, won the Ballon d'Or in 2004. He had an outstanding year with AC Milan during the 2003-2004 season, helping the club win the Serie A title and reach the UEFA Champions League final. Shevchenko's goal-scoring prowess and overall performance on the field earned him the recognition as the best player in the world for that year, as voted on by a panel of international journalists.

• Nationality: Czech
• Club: Juventus
• Points: 190

Pavel Nedvěd, the Czech footballer, won the Ballon d'Or in 2003. He had an exceptional season with Juventus during the 2002-2003 campaign. Nedvěd played a crucial role in helping Juventus reach the UEFA Champions League final and securing the Serie A title that season. His performances, characterized by skill, versatility, and leadership, earned him the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

• Nationality: Brazilian
• Club: Real Madrid
• Points: 169

The 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year, which is now known as the FIFA Ballon d'Or, was awarded to Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo. In 2002, Ronaldo had an outstanding year, particularly during the FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan.

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in leading the Brazilian national team to victory in the 2002 World Cup, scoring two goals in the final against Germany. His performances throughout the tournament, including eight goals in total, played a significant part in Brazil securing their fifth World Cup title. As a result of his stellar contributions, Ronaldo was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2002.