The Greatest Who Never Won It: Footballers Who Came Close to the Ballon d’Or 🏆

In football, few awards carry the same weight as the 'Ballon d’Or'. It’s the stamp of individual greatness, recognition that, in a given year, you were the very best player on the planet. Yet throughout history, several legendary players produced extraordinary seasons, earned global admiration, and still walked away without the golden ball.

Here are some of the most notable names fans believe should have won it, and the stories behind why they never did.

Andrés Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona)

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted midfielders of all time, Andrés Iniesta came closest in 2010, a year defined by his World Cup-winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. Many believed scoring the tournament’s most iconic goal, combined with his role at a dominant Barcelona, made him the rightful winner.

However, the 2010 award went to Lionel Messi, largely influenced by club-season performance metrics and Barça’s overall dominance. Critics argued that Iniesta’s quieter statistical output overshadowed his unmatched influence in big moments. Despite multiple top-five finishes, the Ballon d’Or never found its way into his hands.

Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands, Inter Milan)

The year 2010 is also remembered for another major snub: Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch midfielder won a historic treble with Inter Milan and led the Netherlands to the World Cup final, becoming one of the tournament’s standout players.

Statistically and achievement-wise, Sneijder had a near-perfect year. Yet he failed to reach even the top three in the final Ballon d’Or vote. Many fans blame the heavy Barcelona bias at the time, as Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi split much of the global voting spotlight.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern Munich)

Few cases are as heartbreaking as Robert Lewandowski’s in 2020. The Bayern Munich striker scored goals at a historic rate, won the Champions League,Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal, and dominated Europe unlike any other forward.

Many agreed he was the undisputed best player in the world. But due to the Ballon d’Or being canceled that year because of the pandemic, Lewandowski never received the trophy that felt almost guaranteed. In 2021 he finished runner-up to Messi, a result that sparked intense debate among fans.

David Beckham (England, Manchester United)

In 1999, David Beckham had the season of his life, playing a crucial role as Manchester United captured the historic treble. His passing, set-pieces, and consistency were instrumental in United’s dominance.
But the Ballon d’Or went to Rivaldo, whose individual stats and Champions League performances for Barcelona impressed voters more. Beckham’s near-miss remains one of the most debated outcomes of the late 90s.

Paolo Maldini (Italy, AC Milan)

A defender known for leadership, and consistency, Paolo Maldini had multiple seasons worthy of Ballon d’Or consideration. His closest attempt came in 1994, finishing third behind Hristo Stoichkov.
Many fans believe Maldini’s biggest obstacle was his position, the Ballon d’Or rarely favored defenders. Despite a career spanning nearly 25 years at the highest level, football’s greatest trophy remains the one that got away.

A Legacy Beyond the Trophy

Though these players never won the Ballon d’Or, their legacies have arguably outgrown the award itself. Each represents a story of excellence recognized not just by votes, but by generations of fans who watched them shape the sport.
Sometimes, greatness doesn’t need a golden ball, it lives in the memories they left behind.