Ballon D’or Winners list of 21st century Ranked: Who is the Magic No. 1 Ronaldo or Messi?

Ballon D’or Winners list of 21st century Ranked, The Ballon d’Or has celebrated some of the most iconic footballers of the modern era. Here’s an engaging list that ranks the winners of the Ballon d’Or in reverse order, starting with Ronaldo Nazario’s inspiring comeback and ending with Cristiano Ronaldo’s game-changing 2008 win.

Ballon d’Or Winners List of the 21st Century, Ranked: From Ronaldo Nazario to Messi’s Historic Dominance

20. Ronaldo Nazario (2002)

The 2002 World Cup was Ronaldo Nazario’s story of redemption. After battling serious injuries, he returned to lead Brazil to their fifth world title, scoring eight goals in the tournament, including two in the final. His incredible comeback earned him the Ballon d’Or over his teammate, Roberto Carlos.

19. Pavel Nedved (2003)
In 2003, Pavel Nedved’s relentless energy and vital performances for Juventus, particularly in the Champions League, led him to beat Thierry Henry and Paolo Maldini for the Ballon d’Or. Known for his fierce commitment and tireless midfield work, he was instrumental in Juve’s Serie A title win and their Champions League final appearance.

18. Lionel Messi (2010)
Though Messi scored 60 goals for club and country in 2010, his Ballon d’Or win was unexpected. Many felt Andres Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final, or Wesley Sneijder, who helped Inter Milan to a historic treble, were more deserving due to international achievements.

17. Kaka (2007)

Kaka captured the Ballon d’Or just before the Messi-Ronaldo era, primarily due to his Champions League brilliance. He was dazzling for AC Milan, especially against Manchester United, leading his team to the title with standout goals in the semifinals. His skill and elegance were unmatched that season.

16. Rodri (2024)
In 2024, Rodri’s masterful control of the midfield and match-winning goal in the Champions League final helped Manchester City secure a historic treble. He later led Spain to victory at the European Championship, solidifying his status as the game’s premier defensive midfielder and earning his first Ballon d’Or.

15. Lionel Messi (2019)
Lionel Messi narrowly edged out Virgil van Dijk in 2019 for his sixth Ballon d’Or, a victory fueled by his goal-scoring prowess that season. His record-breaking numbers in La Liga and the Champions League highlighted his enduring talent and further cemented his legacy.

14. Cristiano Ronaldo (2014)
Ronaldo’s record 17 Champions League goals propelled Real Madrid to their long-awaited La Decima, and his 51 goals that season sealed his third Ballon d’Or. It was a defining moment for Ronaldo and for Real Madrid, who reclaimed European glory.

13. Lionel Messi (2021)
Finally capturing an international title, Messi led Argentina to a Copa America victory in 2021, which secured his seventh Ballon d’Or. His Copa performance capped off a legendary career milestone that his fans had waited years to see.

12. Cristiano Ronaldo (2017)
In 2017, Ronaldo’s decisive performances in the Champions League saw him score 10 goals across three knockout rounds. His goals helped Real Madrid to both the La Liga and Champions League titles, tying him with Messi on five Ballon d’Or wins.

11. Luka Modric (2018)

Breaking the Messi-Ronaldo streak, Modric’s Ballon d’Or in 2018 was well-deserved. The Croatian maestro led Real Madrid to a third consecutive Champions League title and then propelled Croatia to an unlikely World Cup final, showcasing his tactical intelligence and leadership.

10. Fabio Cannavaro (2006)
Cannavaro’s solid defense led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, earning him the nickname “The Berlin Wall.” He was instrumental in Italy’s strong defensive play and became the first defender in nearly a decade to win the Ballon d’Or.

9. Lionel Messi (2023)
Messi’s World Cup win with Argentina was the crowning achievement of his career, leading him to his eighth Ballon d’Or. This victory put him firmly at the top of the game, showcasing his brilliance on the world’s biggest stage and silencing any lingering doubts about his legacy.

8. Karim Benzema (2022)
After playing a supporting role for years, Benzema’s 2022 Ballon d’Or win finally recognized his immense talent. His 44 goals that season, including a series of heroic Champions League performances, propelled Real Madrid to La Liga and European titles.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (2013)
Ronaldo’s 2013 Ballon d’Or win, his second, came after a phenomenal 69 goals in 59 games. His four goals against Sweden in the World Cup qualifiers were iconic, proving his impact on the international stage as well as club level.

6. Ronaldinho (2005)
Known for his artistry on the field, Ronaldinho’s Ballon d’Or in 2005 celebrated a truly magical year. His goal against Chelsea and the ovation he received at Santiago Bernabeu were testaments to his brilliance and creativity that left fans mesmerized.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2016)
Ronaldo’s 16 Champions League goals and Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph defined his 2016 Ballon d’Or win. While Messi struggled with Argentina, Ronaldo inspired Portugal to their first international title, establishing him as an all-time great.

4. Lionel Messi (2009)

Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 with a spectacular season that included a historic treble for Barcelona. His consistency in big games and goals in the Champions League final solidified his place among the sport’s best.

3. Lionel Messi (2011)
Messi’s 2011 Ballon d’Or honored his performances in what many consider the best Barcelona team ever. With 53 goals, he led his team to both La Liga and Champions League titles, outshining all competitors that year.

2. Lionel Messi (2015)
Messi’s fifth Ballon d’Or celebrated his role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season, where he formed a legendary partnership with Neymar and Suarez. His skill and vision in the Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich showcased his unmatched talent.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (2008)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or marked the beginning of his illustrious rivalry with Lionel Messi. Scoring 42 goals in all competitions and securing both the Premier League and Champions League titles for Manchester United, his 2008 win was historic and firmly placed him on the path to football greatness. The most complete player the world has ever seen.

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Conclusion

The Ballon d’Or has honored some of football’s greatest, highlighting their contributions and solidifying their place in history. From Ronaldo Nazario’s inspiring comeback to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 breakthrough, each winner has brought something unique, making the Ballon d’Or a testament to the game’s evolving legacy.

FAQs

1. Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards in the 21st century?
Lionel Messi, with eight Ballon d’Or wins.

2. Has any defender won the Ballon d’Or recently?
Yes, Fabio Cannavaro won in 2006 after leading Italy to World Cup victory.

3. Why did Rodri win the Ballon d’Or in 2024?
Rodri was recognized for leading Manchester City to a treble and Spain to the Euro title, showcasing his impact on both teams.

4. Was there any goalkeeper among recent Ballon d’Or contenders?
Manuel Neuer came close in 2014 as a finalist after his World Cup-winning performance.

5. Which Ballon d’Or winner was unexpected?
Pavel Nedved’s win in 2003 surprised many, as Thierry Henry was also a strong candidate for the award.

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