Ballon d’Or: Stars Who Might Have Won Without Messi and Ronaldo

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With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo not making this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2003, a new era appears to be unfolding. Between them, they have claimed the coveted trophy 13 times, with Messi holding eight, including a remarkable four-year streak from 2009 to 2012.

While it seemed this transition might have begun sooner—with Messi left off the 2021 list and Ronaldo finishing 20th—Messi made a stunning comeback last year, winning his eighth Ballon d’Or following Argentina’s World Cup win.

Over the years, only a few players have broken through to challenge their dominance, such as the unexpected winner in 2018 and a close contest in 2022. Yet, many other players who might have claimed football’s top individual award saw their chances dimmed by the brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo. Notably, the award was also canceled in 2020.

Here’s a look back at players who may have earned the Ballon d’Or in a world without the two football giants, highlighting those whose exceptional performances would have made them worthy winners.

Fernando Torres (2008)

Club & Country: Liverpool, Spain
Position: Striker
Goals in 2008: 26
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Torres delivered a phenomenal season in 2007-08, leading Liverpool and scoring the winning goal for Spain in the Euro 2008 final. With 33 goals for club and country, he finished behind Ronaldo and Messi in the Ballon d’Or voting.

Xavi (2009, 2011)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Midfielder

Goals in 2009: 7
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Xavi played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2009, finishing third as Messi claimed his first Ballon d’Or.

Goals in 2011: 12
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Xavi was integral in Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League victories, yet Messi’s 73-goal season secured him the award once again.

Andres Iniesta (2010, 2012)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Midfielder

Goals in 2010: 11
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Iniesta’s memorable goal in the World Cup final gave Spain the title, but Messi’s form earned him his second Ballon d’Or.

Goals in 2012: 8
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Despite leading Spain to another Euro title, Iniesta finished behind Messi, who scored an astounding 91 goals that year.

Franck Ribery (2013)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, France
Position: Winger
Goals in 2013: 23
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Ribery helped Bayern Munich secure a historic treble, but Ronaldo’s stunning performances in World Cup qualifiers saw him take the Ballon d’Or.

Manuel Neuer (2014)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, Germany
Position: Goalkeeper
Clean Sheets in 2014: 32
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Neuer’s excellence for Bayern and Germany’s World Cup-winning squad made him a strong candidate, yet Ronaldo retained the Ballon d’Or.

Neymar (2015, 2017)

Club & Country: Barcelona, PSG, Brazil
Position: Forward

Goals in 2015: 43
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Neymar’s 39 goals helped Barcelona to a treble, but Messi and Ronaldo remained unmatched.

Goals in 2017: 34
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Despite his impact, especially in Barcelona’s famous comeback against PSG, Ronaldo secured the award, with Neymar finishing third.

Antoine Griezmann (2016)

Club & Country: Atletico Madrid, France
Position: Striker
Goals in 2016: 33
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Griezmann’s efforts led Atletico to a Champions League final and France to the Euro 2016 final, yet Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or with both trophies to his name.

Virgil van Dijk (2019)

Club & Country: Liverpool, Netherlands
Position: Defender
Clearances in 2019: 246
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Van Dijk’s defensive skills led Liverpool to Champions League victory, but Messi narrowly edged him out for the Ballon d’Or.

Robert Lewandowski (2021)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, Poland
Position: Striker
Goals in 2021: 64
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Many believed Lewandowski deserved the 2021 Ballon d’Or after a prolific season. Even Messi acknowledged his performance, suggesting he should be retroactively awarded the 2020 Ballon d’Or, which was canceled.

Erling Haaland (2023)

Club & Country: Manchester City, Norway
Position: Striker
Goals in 2023: 64
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Haaland’s record-breaking debut season with Manchester City included a Premier League goals record. Still, Messi’s World Cup win with Argentina saw him claim his eighth Ballon d’Or, with Haaland finishing close behind.

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