Top 10 Youngest Ballon d’Or Winners in Football History (Ranked by Age)

Here are the Top 10 Youngest Ballon d’Or Winners of All Time in Football History (Ranked by Age).

The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual accolade in football, recognizing the world’s best-performing player in a calendar year. Awarded by France Football since 1956, the Ballon d’Or has been won by some of the greatest names in the sport. While experience often plays a crucial role in attaining this honor, there have been exceptional young talents who defied expectations and clinched the award at a remarkably young age.

This article ranks the top 10 youngest Ballon d’Or winners based on their age at the time of winning, offering insights into their remarkable achievements and legacy. Let’s explore the rising stars who stunned the football world with their early brilliance.

Who is the Youngest Ballon d’Or Winner Ever?

The youngest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or is Brazilian superstar Ronaldo Nazario, who achieved the feat in 1997 at just 21 years, 3 months, and 5 days old. His phenomenal goal-scoring prowess and dominance during his spell at Barcelona and early time at Inter Milan made him an unstoppable force at the time.

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List of the Top 10 Youngest Ballon d’Or Winners

1. Ronaldo Nazario – 1997 (21y, 3m, 5d)

Club: Barcelona / Inter Milan
Goals: 47
Assists: 13

In 1997, Ronaldo Nazario redefined what it meant to be a forward. Playing for Barcelona and later Inter Milan that year, he racked up an astonishing 47 goals and 13 assists in just 49 matches. His pace, flair, and strength were unmatched, making defenders tremble across Europe. His efforts earned him not only the Ballon d’Or but also eternal admiration.

2. Michael Owen – 2001 (22y, 4d)

Club: Liverpool
Goals: 24
Assists: 7

English striker Michael Owen became the youngest Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or in 2001. His heroics during the 2000-01 season helped Liverpool secure a treble: the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. Owen’s pace and finishing instincts were instrumental in Liverpool’s success.

3. Lionel Messi – 2009 (22y, 5m, 2d)

Club: Barcelona
Goals: 38
Assists: 19

Messi’s first Ballon d’Or came in 2009, marking the start of an era. At just 22, he was already leading Barcelona to European glory, scoring in the Champions League final against Manchester United. His dazzling dribbling, clinical finishing, and playmaking vision secured him the first of a record eight Ballon d’Or titles.

4. George Best – 1968 (22y, 7m, 2d)

Club: Manchester United
Goals: 32
Assists: 12

Nicknamed the “Fifth Beatle,” George Best’s flair and unpredictability made him a fan favorite. His Ballon d’Or came after a memorable season where he played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s first European Cup win. His style, charisma, and skill made him a true icon of his generation.

5. Oleg Blokhin – 1975 (23y, 1m, 25d)

Club: Dynamo Kyiv
Goals: 23
Assists: 2

Representing the Soviet Union, Blokhin’s explosive speed and dribbling made him a constant threat. His standout year was 1975 when Dynamo Kyiv won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He beat legends like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer to the award, proving his worth on the continental stage.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2008 (23y, 9m, 27d)

Club: Manchester United
Goals: 42
Assists: 8

Cristiano Ronaldo earned his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 after a phenomenal season at Manchester United, where he helped the club win both the Premier League and the Champions League. His thunderous free-kicks, aerial prowess, and lethal finishing were on full display.

7. Eusebio – 1965 (23y, 11m, 3d)

Club: Benfica
Goals: 9 (in Europe)

One of Portugal’s greatest-ever footballers, Eusebio was renowned for his athleticism and powerful strikes. His Ballon d’Or in 1965 came after a stellar campaign with Benfica and his dazzling performances in Europe. He was a consistent goal machine with over 700 goals in his club career.

8. Marco van Basten – 1988 (24y, 1m, 27d)

Club: AC Milan
Highlights: European Cup winner

Van Basten had an unforgettable year in 1988, winning both the European Championship with the Netherlands and the European Cup with AC Milan. His acrobatic volleys, calmness in front of goal, and intelligence on the pitch made him a natural choice for the award.

9. Johan Cruyff – 1971 (24y, 8m, 3d)

Club: Ajax
Goals: 27
Assists: 15

Cruyff was the heartbeat of the Ajax side that won their first European Cup in 1971. Known for his elegance, vision, and total football ideology, Cruyff’s impact transcended stats. His Ballon d’Or win was a stepping stone to the legendary career that followed.

10. Denis Law – 1964 (24y, 9m, 28d)

Club: Manchester United
Goals: 46
Assists: 11

A lethal striker, Denis Law’s form in the 1963-64 season was nothing short of sensational. Scoring 46 goals for Manchester United, he dominated English football and was rewarded with the Ballon d’Or. Law remains a Manchester United icon to this day.

FAQs About Young Ballon d’Or Winners

Q1. Who is the youngest player to win the Ballon d’Or?
👉 Ronaldo Nazario, at 21 years and 96 days old in 1997.

Q2. How old was Lionel Messi when he won his first Ballon d’Or?
👉 Messi was 22 years, 5 months, and 2 days old in 2009.

Q3. Can a 17-year-old win the Ballon d’Or?
👉 Technically yes, but it’s extremely rare. No player younger than 21 has won it so far.

Q4. Which countries have produced the youngest Ballon d’Or winners?
👉 Brazil, England, Argentina, Portugal, and the Netherlands are notable mentions.

Q5. Has a goalkeeper ever been the youngest Ballon d’Or winner?
👉 No. The award has mostly favored attacking players and midfielders.

Q6. Did Pelé ever win the Ballon d’Or?
👉 No, Pelé was ineligible during his playing career due to rules excluding non-Europeans, but France Football awarded him an honorary Ballon d’Or in 2014.

Q7. Has anyone won the Ballon d’Or after their debut World Cup or Euros?
👉 Yes, some players like Michael Owen and Ronaldo Nazario gained international prominence after such tournaments and went on to win the Ballon d’Or.

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Final Thoughts

These football legends proved that age is just a number when it comes to making history. From Ronaldo Nazario’s explosive rise at 21 to Messi’s reign beginning at 22, these young stars captured the world’s attention with their unforgettable performances.

The Ballon d’Or will continue to evolve, but these names will forever be etched in the history books as the youngest to conquer the pinnacle of individual football glory.