The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in the world of football, bestowed annually upon the player deemed the best in the world. Over the years, this coveted prize has been awarded to some of the sport’s greatest icons, from legends of the past to the stars of the present. But who were the oldest players to ever win this illustrious award? These players defied age and expectation to capture the hearts of fans around the world with their skill, talent, and sheer determination.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the oldest Ballon d’Or winners in history, and explore the secrets to their longevity and success. We’ll examine what it takes to achieve greatness in football well into one’s twilight years. So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through the ages of the Ballon d’Or.
14. George Weah (October 1, 1966 – present)
Age won: 29 years old
Year won: 1995
Nationality: Liberian
Team: Milan
photo source: These Football times
George Weah, the Liberian football legend, secured his place in history by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1995. At the age of 29, Weah became the first African player to win this coveted award, which is presented annually to the best player in the world.
Weah’s Ballon d’Or win was a historic moment not just for him, but for African football as a whole. He paved the way for other African players to achieve success at the highest levels of the game. In fact, Weah remains the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or to this day.
Weah’s time at AC Milan was undoubtedly the pinnacle of his career. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the Serie A title in the 1995-96 season, scoring 15 goals in 25 appearances. His performances on the field were so impressive that he was awarded the Ballon d’Or at the end of the year.
Did You Know?
Weah’s success on the field is matched by his work off the field. He has been involved in politics and humanitarian work in Liberia, and was even elected as the country’s president in 2017.
13. Lothar Matthäus (March 21, 1961 – present)
Age won: 29 years old
Year won: 1998
Nationality: German
Team: Internazionale
photo source: FC Bayern
Matthäus’ Ballon d’Or win in 1998 was a fitting recognition of his talent and success on the field. He was a versatile player who could play in multiple positions, and his leadership skills made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
His success on the field was not limited to club football. He was a key player for the German national team and played in five World Cups, winning the tournament in 1990. In total, Matthäus earned 150 caps for his country, a record at the time of his retirement.
Matthäus has been involved in football as a manager and pundit. He has managed several clubs, including the Hungarian national team, and has worked as a commentator for various television networks.
Did You Know?
Off the field, Matthäus has continued to be involved in football as a manager and pundit. He has also been recognized for his charitable work, particularly in the area of children’s health.
12. Michel Platini (June 21, 1955 – present)
Age won: 30 years old
Year won: 1985, 1984, 1983
Nationality: French
Team: Juventus
photo source: SportMob
Platini is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He played for several clubs throughout his career, including Nancy, Saint-Étienne, and Juventus. He won two Serie A titles and a European Cup with Juventus, where he played from 1982 to 1987. In addition to his Ballon d’Or wins, Platini was also a key player for the French national team. He played in three World Cups and helped France reach the semifinals in 1982 and the semifinals in 1986.
After retiring from football, Platini went on to serve as the president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015. He was also a key figure in bringing the 2016 European Championship to France. Despite some controversy surrounding his time as UEFA president, Platini’s legacy as a footballer remains strong. He was a creative midfielder known for his vision, technique, and precision passing, and his impact on the sport continues to be felt today.
Did You Know?
He is the all-time top scorer for the French national team with 41 goals in 72 appearances.
11. Franz Beckenbauer (September 11, 1945 – present))
Age won: 31 years old
Year won: 1976, 1972
Nationality: German
Team: Bayern Munich
photo source: Sportskeeda
Franz Beckenbauer is a retired German footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. Beckenbauer spent the majority of his career playing for Bayern Munich, where he won five Bundesliga titles, four DFB-Pokal cups, and three European Cups. He also had a brief stint in the United States with the New York Cosmos. In addition to his success at the club level, Beckenbauer was a key player for the German national team.
He played in three World Cups, winning the tournament as both a player and a coach. Beckenbauer is known for his elegant style of play and his ability to play in multiple positions, including as a sweeper, midfielder, and even as a forward. He was also a successful coach, leading both the German national team and Bayern Munich to success.
Did You Know?
After retiring from football, Beckenbauer has remained involved in the sport as a commentator and administrator. He has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the FIFA World Cup Dream Team and the German Sports Hall of Fame.
10. Pavel Nedved (August 30, 1972 – present)
Age won: 31 years and 3 months old
Year won: 2003
Nationality: Czech
Team: Juventus
photo source: Transfermarkt
During his career, Nedved played for several top football clubs, including Juventus, where he spent much of his prime years. He was an integral part of the team that won the Serie A title twice and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2003. Nedved was known for his exceptional skills on the pitch, including his powerful left foot and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
He was also known for his tireless work rate and his dedication to the sport. In addition to his Ballon d’Or win, Nedved was also named the Czech Footballer of the Year six times and was included in the UEFA Team of the Year three times.
Did You Know?
Nedved’s iconic hairdo, which included a thick, blonde mane that he tied in a ponytail, became a trademark of his playing style.
9. Josef Masopust (February 9, 1931 – present)
Age won: 31 years and 10 months old
Year won: 1962
Nationality: Czech
Team: Dukla Prague
photo source: Wikipedia
Josef Masopust, born on February 9, 1931, is a Czech footballer who made a name for himself in the world of football by winning the Ballon d’Or in 1962. Masopust was known for his skill and technique on the field, and his ability to score goals from both midfield and forward positions.
His Ballon d’Or win in 1962 cemented his place in football history, and he is still remembered as one of the greatest Czech footballers of all time. Masopust’s success was a result of his hard work, dedication, and talent, and he continues to inspire young footballers around the world.
Did You Know?
Masopust was known for his exceptional fitness and stamina, which allowed him to play in multiple positions on the field.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo (February 5, 1985 – present)
Age won: 32 years old
Year won: 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2008
Nationality: Portuguese
Team: Real Madrid
photo source: Planet Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer born on February 5, 1985, who has won the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award for the best male football player in the world, a total of 5 times. Ronaldo played for Real Madrid, a Spanish football club, for 9 seasons between 2009 and 2018. During his time at the club, he became their all-time top scorer, won 4 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, and 2 Copa del Rey titles.
In addition to his success at Real Madrid, Ronaldo has also played for the Portugal national team, earning over 170 caps and scoring over 100 goals. He helped Portugal win the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and finished as runners-up in the 2004 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
Did You Know?
Off the field, Ronaldo is also known for his charitable work and philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to causes such as children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
7. Fabio Cannavaro (september 13, 1973 – present)
Age won: 33 years and 2 months old
Year won: 2006
Nationality: Italian
Team: Real Madrid
photo source: Sky Sports
Cannavaro began his professional football career with Napoli in 1992, playing as a sweeper before transitioning to a central defender later in his career. In addition to his success at the club level, Cannavaro was a regular player for the Italy national team, earning over 130 caps and helping them win the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of Cannavaro’s professional career was the summer of 2006. He demonstrated an outstanding performance, helping Italy to win the World Cup held in Germany. Following this success, he joined Real Madrid, where he played when he was honored with the Ballon d’Or. Additionally, he won the La Liga title in his first season with the club.
Did You Know?
He was the captain of the team and played a crucial role in their victory, earning the nickname “Il Muro di Berlino” (The Berlin Wall) for his outstanding defensive performances.
6. Luka Modric (September 9, 1985 – present)
Age won: 33 years and 3 months old
Year won: 2018
Nationality: Croatian
Team: Real Madrid
photo source: Sporting News
Luka Modric has played for several football clubs during his career, including Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. He is known for his exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He was named the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Modric’s Ballon d’Or win in 2018 was a historic moment for Croatian football, as he became the first player from Croatia and a non-Messi/Ronaldo player to win the award since Kaka in 2007. He was recognized for his exceptional performances throughout the year, which helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League for the third consecutive year.
Did You Know?
When he was just 18 years old, Luka Modric earned the Bosnian League Player of the Year Award in recognition of his impressive performance.
5. Alfredo Di Stefano (July 4, 1926 – July 7, 2014)
Age won: 33 years and 5 months old
Year won: 1959, 1957
Nationality: Argentinian
Team: Real Madrid
photo source: Wikipedia
Di Stefano was known for his exceptional skills on the field, his versatility as a player, and his ability to score goals. He played for several football clubs during his career, including River Plate, Huracan, and Real Madrid. It was during his time at Real Madrid that he achieved his greatest success, helping the club win five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960.
Di Stefano’s Ballon d’Or wins in 1957 and 1959 were a testament to his outstanding performances during those years. He was the driving force behind Real Madrid’s success during that period, scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates. His contributions to the team’s victories in the European Cup were particularly notable, as he scored in each of the five finals that Real Madrid won during his time with the club.
Did You Know?
In addition to his success as a player, Di Stefano had a long and successful coaching career. He coached several clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid, and he also coached the national teams of Spain, Colombia, and Argentina.
4. Lev Yashin (October 22, 1929 – March 20, 1990)
Age won: 34 years and 1 month old
Year won: 1963
Nationality: Russian
Team: Dynamo Moscow
photo source: Wikipedia
Lev Yashin, born on October 22, 1929, was a Russian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1963, becoming the only goalkeeper to ever win the award. He was known for his incredible reflexes, his ability to anticipate shots, and his fearlessness in coming off his line to make saves.
Yashin spent his entire professional career playing for Dynamo Moscow, making his debut in 1950 and retiring in 1971. During his time at the club, he won five Soviet Top League titles and three Soviet Cups. He also helped Dynamo Moscow reach the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1963.
Did You Know?
In addition to his success with Dynamo Moscow, Yashin also had a successful international career with the Soviet Union national team. He played in three World Cups, helping the Soviet Union reach the quarter-finals in 1958 and the semi-finals in 1966.
3. Lionel Messi (June 24, 1987 – present)
Age won: 34 years and 5 months old
Year won: 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009
Nationality: Argentinian
Team: Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
photo source: Bleacher Report
Lionel Messi started his career with FC Barcelona, where he quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the world. He won numerous domestic and international titles with the club, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.
Messi’s playing style is characterized by his incredible dribbling skills, close control of the ball, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is also known for his precision and accuracy in shooting and passing the ball, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
Off the field, Messi is known for his philanthropic work and has established the Leo Messi Foundation to help support children in need around the world. He has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010.
Did You Know?
At the age of 13, Messi moved to Barcelona, Spain, to join the youth academy of FC Barcelona.
2. Karim Benzema (December 19, 1987 – present)
Age won: 34 years and 10 months old
Year won: 2022
Nationality: French
Team: Real Madrid
photo source: CNN
Karim Benzema’s journey to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022 began with his impressive performances for Real Madrid during the 2021-2022 season. He played a key role in helping his team win La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 30 goals in all competitions. Benzema’s skillful performances did not go unnoticed as he was named the best player in La Liga for the 2021-2022 season.
This paved the way for his nomination for the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded to the best player in the world every year. As the awards ceremony approached, Benzema faced tough competition from other nominees such as Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski. However, his consistent form throughout the year helped him edge out the competition and win the Ballon d’Or at the age of 34 years and 10 months.
Did You Know?
Despite his success on the pitch, Benzema has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. In 2015, he was accused of blackmailing a fellow French teammate, which led to him being excluded from the national team for several years.
1. Stanley Matthews (February 1, 1915 – February 23, 2000)
Age won: 41 years and 10 months old
Year won: 1956
Nationality: English
Team: Blackpool
photo source: Transfermarkt
Stanley Matthews, the legendary English footballer, was the first ever Ballon d’Or winner in 1956. But what many people may not know is that he also holds the record for being the oldest player to win the award. Matthews was 41 years old when he won the Ballon d’Or in 1963, a remarkable achievement for a player at that age. Matthews continued to play football well into his 50s and even made a brief comeback for Stoke City at the age of 70 in a match against Fulham in 1985.
Matthews was known for his incredible skill and technique on the pitch, as well as his longevity in the game. He played for several top clubs throughout his career, including Stoke City, Blackpool, and the English national team. He was also known for his commitment to fitness and healthy living, which helped him to extend his career and maintain his form well into his 40s.
Did You Know?
Matthews was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002 and was also named as one of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century by FIFA.
