Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winners: Who Would Win the Most (1956-2024)?

The Ballon d’Or is football’s most coveted individual award, given annually to the world’s best player. But what if this prestigious honor was awarded purely based on player performance instead of subjective voting? In this blog, we explore the top Ballon d’Or performance-based winners who might have won the most awards between 1956 and 2024(List of Ballon d’Or winners based solely on performance.)

Top 10 Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winners (1956-2024)

1. Lionel Messi – The Ultimate Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(10-12 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Messi, already a record Ballon d’Or winner, would be at the very top if the award focused entirely on performance.

• Best Years: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022

• Why He Deserved More: With his dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring magic, Messi has dominated football for over two decades, securing his status as the ultimate Ballon d’Or performance-based winner

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – A Consistent Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(7-8 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Ronaldo’s consistency, athleticism, and clutch performances make him another dominant figure on the list of Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017
• Why He Deserved More: His ability to shine on the biggest stages, from Champions League finals to international tournaments, could have earned him even more Ballon d’Or titles based on merit.

3. Pelé – Dominating the Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winners List(7-8 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Pelé, the King of Football, would be one of the biggest names on the list of Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 1958, 1962, 1970
• Why He Deserved More: Pelé’s unmatched goal-scoring record, three World Cups, and legendary performances make him a top contender. If not for the European-only restriction during his career, he might have won 7 or more Ballon d’Or awards based on performance alone.

4. Diego Maradona – A Legendary Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(5-6 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Diego Maradona’s individual brilliance, especially during the 1986 World Cup, would place him high among Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 1986, 1987, 1990
• Why He Deserved More: Maradona led Argentina to World Cup glory, scoring some of the most iconic goals in history, including the famous ‘Goal of the Century.’ Based purely on performance, he could have won multiple Ballon d’Ors.

5. Ronaldo Nazário – A True Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(4-5 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Ronaldo Nazário, known as ‘El Fenómeno,’ would be a multiple-time Ballon d’Or performance-based winner thanks to his electrifying performances.

• Best Years: 1996, 1997, 2002
• Why He Deserved More: His sensational dribbling, speed, and finishing ability, especially during the 2002 World Cup, were unmatched.

6. Zinedine Zidane – A Legendary Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(3-4 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Zidane’s elegance, vision, and leadership on the field secure him a spot among the top Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 1998, 2000, 2006
• Why He Deserved More: Zidane’s brilliance in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 finals, combined with his consistency at Real Madrid, could have earned him multiple awards.

7. Johan Cruyff – A Tactical Genius and Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(4-5 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Johan Cruyff revolutionized football with his ‘Total Football’ philosophy, making him a clear contender for the title of top Ballon d’Or performance-based winner.

• Best Years: 1971, 1973, 1974
• Why He Deserved More: Cruyff’s creativity and tactical intelligence transformed the game, and his performances in the 1970s would have earned him additional Ballon d’Ors based on performance alone.

8. George Best – A Flamboyant Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(3-4 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Known for his flair and extraordinary skill, George Best could have been a multiple-time Ballon d’Or performance-based winner.

• Best Years: 1968, 1970
• Why He Deserved More: His dazzling dribbling, goal-scoring, and overall influence on the game made him one of the most exciting players of his time.

9. Andrés Iniesta – A Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner in the Midfield(2-3 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Iniesta’s midfield brilliance and match-winning abilities place him among the best Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 2010, 2012
• Why He Deserved More: From scoring the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final to orchestrating Spain’s dominance, Iniesta’s performances were nothing short of legendary.

10. Lothar Matthäus – A Balanced Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winner(2-3 Times ballon d’or Winners)

Matthäus, a World Cup-winning captain, rounds out the list of top Ballon d’Or performance-based winners.

• Best Years: 1990, 1991
• Why He Deserved More: His all-round midfield brilliance and leadership made him a standout player in the early 1990s.

Conclusion: Who Are the Greatest Ballon d’Or Performance-Based Winners?

If the Ballon d’Or had been awarded solely on performance, players like Pelé, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo might have won even more titles. This list of potential Ballon d’Or performance-based winners showcases the importance of consistent excellence on the pitch.