The Ballon d’Or is one of the most famous awards in football. Since it was first given out in 1956, it has been a symbol of greatness, a prize for the best player in the world each year.
Over time, it has become more than just a trophy. It tells the story of football, showing us who ruled the game, who changed it, and who inspired millions. On Monday night, the world will watch again as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is announced.
In the last 20 years, we have seen legends rise, records fall, and new stars take the spotlight. From the magic of Ronaldinho, to the powerful presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, each winner has shown us a different side of the game.
Afrosport highlights the 20 names that shaped the past 20 years of football, a journey through the players who made us fall in love with the game again and again.
2005 – Ronaldinho
In 2005, Ronaldinho’s moments of pure magic brought joy to football. Playing for Barcelona, he made the impossible look easy, dribbling past defenders like they weren’t there. That year, his samba-style brilliance earned him the Ballon d’Or, and signalled the beginning of something new.
2006 – Fabio Cannavaro
In 2006, defender Cannavaro stunned the world to win the Ballon d’Or. After leading Italy to World Cup victory, he showed that centre-backs, often forgotten in award talks, could also be heroes.
2007 – Kaka
Then came 2007, and with it, the calm elegance of Kaka – fast, graceful, and unselfish, he was a joy to watch. For AC Milan, he split defenses with ease, and made his teammates shine.
While the world had just started whispering the names “Lionel Messi” and “Cristiano Ronaldo,” Kaka stood tall and took the spotlight. He became the last player to win the Ballon d’Or before the greatest rivalry in football history took over.
2008–2017- The Messi-Ronaldo Era
From 2008 to 2017, the Ballon d’Or became the battleground of two titans – Ronaldo and Messi. For 10 straight years, the award passed between them like a relay baton, as fans around the world debated, dissected, and celebrated every goal, every assist, every final.
Cristiano Ronaldo: His rise was relentless, powered by hard work and an unshakable belief in himself. Ballon d’Or wins in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 proved his ability to dominate across leagues, and his big-game mentality made him one of the most complete athletes the game has ever seen.
Lionel Messi: From 2009 to 2012, then again in 2015, Messi turned football into poetry. With incredible vision, dribbling, and goals that defied logic. ‘The Flea’ scored 91 goals in a single season in 2012, a record that would stand the test of time. His pure style of football endeared him to fans around the globe.
Together, they Ronaldo and Messi won 10 Ballon d’Ors in a row. While the Argentine won all playing for Barcelona, Ronaldo switched between Manchester United and Real Madrid.
2018 – Luka Modric
In 2018, the cycle broke. Modric stepped up. He led his country to a historic World Cup final and was the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield.
2020 – Not Awarded
Then came 2020, the year the world stopped. COVID-19 changed everything, including football. For the first time since 1956, the Ballon d’Or was not awarded.
2021 & 2023 – Messi
Messi returned to the top, winning his seventh and eight honours. He lifted Argentina to a long-awaited Copa America in 2021, and in 2022, he gave the world a fairytale, winning the World Cup and becoming the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history.
2022 – Karim Benzema
Between Messi’s golden moments, Benzema finally had his own. After years in Ronaldo’s shadow, he stepped into the spotlight, carrying Real Madrid to Champions League glory. His 2022 Ballon d’Or win was about more than stats, it was about patience, loyalty, and rising when it mattered most.
2024 – Rodri
In 2024, Manchester City and Spain midfield maestro Rodri was crowned the best. He led with quiet authority and his recognition marked a shift, a move from individual brilliance to intelligent leadership.
Ballon d’Or Winners (2005–2024)
2024 – Rodri
2023 – Lionel Messi
2022 – Karim Benzema
2021 – Lionel Messi
2020 – Not Awarded
2019 – Lionel Messi
2018 – Luka Modric
2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo
2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo
2015 – Lionel Messi
2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo
2013 – Cristiano Ronaldo
2012 – Lionel Messi
2011 – Lionel Messi
2010 – Lionel Messi
2009 – Lionel Messi
2008 – Cristiano Ronaldo
2007 – Kaka
2006 – Fabio Cannavaro
2005 – Ronaldinho
