The 5 players with the most Ballon d'Ors
The Ballon d'Or is a prestigious prize awarded to the best player in the world for a calendar year, as voted for by football journalists. Here's a list of the players with the most awards.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese forward has won the award on 4 occasions (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016).
4. Michel Platini
The French legend was the first player to win the title three years running, between 1983 and 1985. Platini wrote himself into the history books by winning Euro 1984 with France and following that up by winning the European Cup with Juventus in 1984/85.
3. Marco Van Basten
The Dutchman is considered to be one of the best forwards in history. He dominated world football during the late 80s and early 90s. He won three Ballon d'Ors (1988, 1989 and 1992). 'The swan of Utrecht' also scored one of the best goals of Euro 1988 as the Netherlands defeated the USSR, yes, THAT goal.
2. Johan Cruyff
Another Dutchman finds himself in second place. The whole world fell in love with Cruyff in the early 70s. He played in a World Cup final and is also known for his success with Ajax and Barcelona. He also won the Ballon d'Or on three occasions (1971, 1972 and 1974).
1. Lionel Messi
Who else? The Argentine is the only player to have won the award five times, dominating between 2009 and 2012 before adding another in 2015.