The Top 10 Oldest Ballon d'Or Winners of All Time

Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has seen numerous football legends grace the stage and leave their mark on the prestigious award. Widely regarded as the holy grail of football, players from both past eras and the modern age aspire to lift this coveted trophy, though only the elite few have managed to do so.

While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award for the past 15 years, with occasional interruptions from players like Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, the competition remains fierce. In 2023, Manchester City's Erling Haaland posed a significant threat to Messi's reign, but the Argentine maestro extended his Ballon d'Or collection to an impressive eight titles. He was greeted on stage by former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon, David Beckham. Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé, one of the brightest stars in world football, secured third place and looks poised to add the prestigious accolade to his trophy cabinet in the years to come.

LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!

Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Messi's remarkable achievement of being recognized as the best in the world at 36 years old solidifies his status as one of the oldest recipients of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. This underscores the timeless adage: "After you grow as an adult, age is just not a number, but a mindset." However, he isn't the oldest player to ever achieve this feat, as there is a remarkable individual who picked up the accolade in his forties! Let's journey down memory lane and reminisce about the 10 oldest players to have won the Ballon d'Or.

10. Pavel Nedved – 31 (2003)

You might recall a long-haired blondie gracefully gliding down the wing during the turn of the millennium. His defining moment as a footballer came in 2003 when he clinched the title of the best footballer of the year, albeit solely based on a trophy standpoint. Nedved had stints at several top football clubs, notably Italian giants Juventus, where he spent the majority of his prime years. His contributions helped Juventus secure two Serie A titles and reach the Champions League final in 2003, cementing his status as a deserving winner of the Ballon d'Or, although Thierry Henry may argue otherwise.

9. Josef Masopust – 31 (1962)

While not as high-profile as some of the other players on the list, the Czech-born footballer showcased his versatility by excelling in midfield and as an attack-minded forward. He gained recognition in the football world by clinching the Ballon d'Or award in 1962. Known for his skill and technique on the field, he was a prolific scorer and is revered as one of his nation’s finest footballers. Masopust played a pivotal role for Czechoslovakia in the Euro 1960 tournament, and his talent was further showcased on the international stage during the World Cup two years later. In the final against Brazil, he opened the scoring, although his team ultimately fell short, losing 3-1. Despite the defeat, Masopust's legacy as a football icon endures.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo – 32 (2017)

Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or points in the history of the sport, has had the honor of receiving the Ballon d'Or trophy on five occasions. This remarkable achievement spanned a nine-year period from 2008 to 2017, during his stints at both Manchester United and Real Madrid. As Portugal's all-time leading goal scorer, Ronaldo formed one half of the iconic Messi-Ronaldo duo that dominated football for many years. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he amassed an impressive record, winning four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.

Ronaldo's prolific goal-scoring prowess was on full display, as he notched an incredible 450 goals in 438 appearances for the Spanish giants. His most recent Ballon d'Or victory in 2017, at the age of 32, may mark the culmination of his reign as the world's best player, unless he decides to make a sensational return to Europe and continue his extraordinary career, although such a scenario seems highly improbable.

7. Fabio Cannavaro – 33 (2006)

While Fabio Cannavaro may not be held in the same regard as his fellow countrymen Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, he boasts a distinction that neither of them can claim: a Ballon d’Or title. The year 2006 was a memorable one for Cannavaro as he led Italy to World Cup glory while also enjoying a remarkable individual accolade. It's rare for defenders to receive such recognition in a sport where goalscoring often takes precedence, but the diminutive Italian defied the odds by winning the Ballon d'Or in 2006 at the age of 33. He remains the last defender to have clinched this prestigious prize, a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership on the field. This fact isn't surprising given the dominance of attacking players in football's recent era, although Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk came close to breaking this trend in 2019.

6. Luka Modric – 33 (2018)

In an era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo's stranglehold on the Ballon d'Or, Luka Modric emerged as a rare winner, disrupting their duopoly five years ago. The Croatian midfield maestro made waves by clinching the prestigious award in 2018. His Ballon d'Or triumph was further embellished by his stellar performances at the World Cup, where he was named the Player of the Tournament despite Croatia's 4-2 defeat against France in the final. Modric's achievement marked a significant moment in football history, as he became the first Croatian and the first player not named Messi or Ronaldo since Kaka in 2007 to win the award.

Throughout the year, Modric dazzled with his exceptional displays, particularly in the Champions League, where he played a pivotal role in guiding his team to their third consecutive triumph in Europe's elite competition. His remarkable feat not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also served as a testament to his invaluable contributions to his club and country.

5. Alfredo Di Stefano – 33 (1959)

Alfredo Di Stefano, an iconic figure in the annals of Real Madrid history, was the first among many illustrious players of the European powerhouse to claim the Ballon d'Or trophy. Renowned for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, Di Stefano enjoyed unparalleled success during his tenure at Real Madrid, leading the club to an unprecedented five consecutive European Cup triumphs between 1956 and 1960. His instrumental role in Madrid's domestic and European dominance solidified his status as a cult hero among fans. Di Stefano eventually retired in 1966 while playing for Espanyol, marking the end of an illustrious career.

Born in Argentina, Di Stefano represented the national team six times before switching his allegiance to Spain. He clinched the Ballon d'Or on two separate occasions, with his win in 1959 being particularly notable as he was 33 years old at the time of the award ceremony. Di Stefano's enduring legacy and impact on the game continue to be celebrated, making him a revered figure in football history.

4. Lev Yashin – 34 (1963)

Goalkeepers receiving football's most prestigious individual award is a rarity, with defenders often struggling to garner recognition, let alone those guarding the goalposts. Lev Yashin stands alone as the sole goalkeeper, at the time of writing, to have been bestowed with the Ballon d'Or. Renowned for his remarkable reflexes, bravery, and commanding presence in the penalty area, the Russian is widely hailed as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the sport's rich history.

Yashin enjoyed celebrity status in the Soviet Union, admired for his dominant performances between the sticks and his ability to instill composure in his team's defense. His unparalleled contributions earned him the title of Ballon d'Or winner, an achievement that still stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Yashin's recognition as the fourth-oldest footballer to receive this prestigious accolade underscores the remarkable feat he achieved, setting a high standard for future generations of goalkeepers to aspire to.

3. Karim Benzema – 34 (2022)

Karim Benzema embarked on his journey to secure his first, and likely only, Ballon d'Or in 2022, fueled by his impressive goal-scoring displays for Real Madrid during the 2021/22 season. His contributions played a pivotal role in propelling the Spanish side to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Notably, Benzema netted 30 goals across all competitions, showcasing his prowess in front of goal. Moreover, his leadership qualities, particularly in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, proved instrumental in guiding his team to unprecedented success.

At the age of 34, Benzema defied expectations and outshone contenders such as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to claim the prestigious individual accolade. His remarkable achievements on the field underscored his enduring impact and cemented his place among the elite in world football.

2. Lionel Messi – 36 (2023)

Winning the Ballon d'Or has become almost routine for Messi since he and Ronaldo dominated European football. While their rivalry often narrowed down to a two-horse race, Messi's fans argue that he stands head and shoulders above his competitors, especially Ronaldo, as evidenced by his record-breaking eight Ballon d'Or victories. He remains a phenomenal footballer, continuing to set the standard for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

Despite approaching the twilight of his career, Messi remains a prominent figure in the sport, now showcasing his talents at Inter Miami at the age of 36. His latest Ballon d'Or triumph, extending his record, further solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history. Inter Miami's association with Messi's accolade places them among an elite group of clubs to have had Ballon d'Or winners in their ranks, highlighting the club's growing stature on the global stage.

1. Sir Stanley Matthews – 41 (1956)

The oldest recipient of the Ballon d'Or is Sir Stanley Matthews, who achieved this remarkable feat at the age of 41 years and 10 months. Known as "The Wizard of the Dribble," the legendary English footballer demonstrated exceptional skill and talent throughout his career, earning him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.

While many players typically retire and take a step back from the game by that age, Matthews continued to excel on the football pitch, showcasing his remarkable abilities even in his later years. His achievement in winning the Ballon d'Or at such an advanced age is truly remarkable and serves as a testament to his enduring greatness.

Matthews, who notably represented Stoke City and Blackpool, clinched the Ballon d'Or during its inaugural ceremony in 1956. To this day, he remains the oldest player ever to have received this coveted trophy, by a very narrow margin, solidifying his status as a footballing icon.