How Many Ballon d’Or Awards do Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Have?
Lionel Messi leads football history with 8 Ballon d’Or awards, while Cristiano Ronaldo is second, capturing the iconic trophy 5 times in his illustrious career.
Lionel Messi: The Greatest Is Crowned Eight Times
No player embodies the Ballon d’Or era like Lionel Messi, who has lifted the trophy a record eight times between 2009 and 2023.
His victories began a dominant four-in-a-row sequence with Barcelona (2009–2012), showcasing dazzling consistency and brilliance at the club level. Messi claimed further awards in 2015 and 2019, continuing his reign as the game’s top playmaker even as new challengers emerged.
His 2021 and 2023 wins came after standout moments: guiding Argentina to silverware and excelling with both PSG and the national team in major tournaments.
This collection makes Messi not only the award’s most frequent winner but also the standard by which future generations will be measured. His Ballon d’Or record reflects a blend of individual flair and decisive contributions on the biggest stages, from La Liga dominance to World Cup glory.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Five-Time Icon and Eternal Rival
Cristiano Ronaldo stands second only to Messi, capturing 5 Ballon d’Or titles spanning from 2008 to 2017. His first came with Manchester United, before his rivalry with Messi fueled an unparalleled award race during their time at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Ronaldo won back-to-back honors in 2013 and 2014, then added more in 2016 and 2017, driven by Champions League exploits and relentless goal scoring.
Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or tally cements him as one of football’s modern legends, respected for his adaptability and success across England and Spain.
While he has not added to his total since 2017, his consistent elite performances kept him among the shortlisted players for over a decade, demonstrating lasting relevance in an ever-evolving game.
The Lasting Legacy
Together, Messi and Ronaldo have won 13 Ballon d’Or trophies, authoring a unique era of football rivalry and excellence.
Their duel at the pinnacle of the game transformed the award’s history, thrilling fans and raising the bar for aspiring stars worldwide.
As football’s next generation emerges, the shadow cast by the Ballon d’Or careers of both Messi and Ronaldo looms larger than ever.
