“Robberies” or just the rules? Legends who never won the Ballon d'Or
Eligibility restrictions, the voting and even a pandemic kept some of the game's biggest names off the annual honor roll. These are some of the most striking omissions.
The history of the Ballon d'Or also has some notable absentees. Some were left out by requirements that seem absurd today; others put together extraordinary seasons and watched a rival take the prize.
Pelé and Maradona: ruled out by the rules
Until 1994, the award was reserved for European players playing in Europe. In 1995 it opened up to other nationalities, but still required players to be at a European club; that last restriction was dropped in 2007. Both later received honorary awards, separate from the trophy decided by the annual vote.
Marta Vieira da Silva: a category that didn't exist yet
Five of her six FIFA World Player of the Year awards came between 2006 and 2010. During those years, the women's Ballon d'Or didn't exist yet: its first edition was in 2018.
Iniesta and Xavi: world champions, without the award
They won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, with Iniesta scoring the winner in the final. In that year's vote they finished second and third, respectively, behind Lionel Messi.
Wesley Sneijder: a treble and not even the podium
In 2010 he won the Champions League, Serie A and the Coppa Italia with Inter. He also reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands. He finished fourth in the Ballon d'Or.
Some were left out by requirements that seem absurd today; others watched a rival win.
Franck Ribéry: Bayern's big year wasn't enough
In 2013 he won the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, as well as the UEFA Best Player in Europe award for the 2012-13 season. In the Ballon d'Or he finished third, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.
Robert Lewandowski: the year the award was canceled
He scored 55 goals in 47 games during the 2019-20 season and won the treble with Bayern. However, the pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d'Or, leaving his candidacy without a vote.
Have you seen this round's previews?See previews →More stories
Tragedy in Spain: Aguirre's and Fidalgo's Copa del Rey matches postponedA collision between two trains in Toledo led to the suspension of 24 matches. Valencia and Betis already have new dates for their ties.
What is the Messi Cup? The youth tournament featuring the club Leo boughtThe U-16 competition brings together 16 clubs from nine countries in Florida. Among the invitees is UE Cornellà, acquired by Messi this year, which has already beaten Manchester City's youth side.
Brunetta isn't the only one: seven names who could play for Mexico on the road to 2030Some are already Mexican; others would need to naturalize and meet FIFA's requirements. We review the cases with a public track record and three longer-term possibilities.