The Legends: Ballon d'Or Winners from 1990 to 2021

The Ballon d'Or is one of the most coveted awards in the world of football. 

Since its inception in 1956, it has been a symbol of individual excellence and a testament to the talent and dedication of football's greatest players. 

From the year 1990 onwards, the award has been won by a distinguished list of footballing legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were the two football greats who dominated the award for almost a decade 
   

Let's take a journey through time and celebrate the Ballon d'Or winners from 1990 to 2021.

1990 - Lothar Matthaus: The German midfielder was a key figure in the footballing landscape of the early '90s, known for his versatility and leadership. Matthaus was instrumental in helping Internazionale win Serie A in the 1988-89 season.

1991 - Jean-Pierre Papin: A prolific striker, Papin was the top scorer in Europe during his time at Marseille. His goal-scoring exploits made him a worthy Ballon d'Or recipient.

1992 - Marco van Basten: The Dutch forward, playing for AC Milan, was a true maestro with the ball. His technical ability and goal-scoring prowess made him a footballing icon.

1993 - Roberto Baggio: Another Italian legend, Baggio, showcased his skills at Juventus. His dribbling and free-kick prowess made him a standout performer in the '90s.

1994 - Hristo Stoichkov: The Bulgarian forward, playing for Barcelona, was a key figure in Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team." His attacking prowess and creativity were unmatched.

1995 - George Weah: Weah, a Liberian striker, won the award while playing for AC Milan. His remarkable speed and ability to score from almost any position made him a deserving winner.

1996 - Matthias Sammer: A versatile German midfielder, Sammer won the Ballon d'Or after an exceptional season with Borussia Dortmund, displaying his defensive and playmaking abilities.

1997 - Ronaldo: The Brazilian phenomenon, Ronaldo, won the award while playing for Internazionale. His incredible dribbling and goal-scoring prowess made him one of the greatest players of all time.

1998 - Zinedine Zidane: Zidane's elegance and creativity in midfield were unmatched. He led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and won the Ballon d'Or while playing for Juventus.

1999 - Rivaldo: The Brazilian forward, known for his stunning goals and dribbling skills, won the award while playing for Barcelona.

2000 - Luis Figo: Figo, the Portuguese winger, made headlines with his transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid. His crossing and dribbling made him a standout player.

2001 - Michael Owen: Owen, an English striker, won the Ballon d'Or after his breakout season with Liverpool. His speed and goal-scoring ability were his trademarks.

2002 - Ronaldo: The Brazilian Ronaldo won his second Ballon d'Or, this time while playing for Real Madrid. His devastating pace and clinical finishing were a sight to behold.

2003 - Pavel Nedved: The Czech midfielder was a key figure at Juventus. His work rate, creativity, and long-range shooting ability earned him the award.

2004 - Andriy Shevchenko: The Ukrainian striker, playing for AC Milan, was a prolific goal scorer. His performances in Serie A and the Champions League were outstanding.

2005 - Ronaldinho: The Brazilian playmaker, Ronaldinho, wowed fans with his dazzling skills while playing for Barcelona. His creativity and flair made him a global superstar.

2006 - Fabio Cannavaro: Cannavaro, the Italian defender, was the heart of Italy's World Cup-winning team. His leadership and defensive skills earned him the Ballon d'Or.

2007 - Kaka: The Brazilian midfielder, Kaka, was the driving force behind AC Milan's Champions League victory. His skill and vision made him a standout player.

2008 - Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward, won his first Ballon d'Or while at Manchester United. His incredible pace and goal-scoring prowess were on full display.

2009 - Lionel Messi: The Argentine maestro, Messi, began his era of dominance. His dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities set new standards in the sport.

2010 - Lionel Messi: Messi retained the award, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in history. His consistency and footballing genius were unparalleled.

2011 - Lionel Messi: Messi won his third consecutive Ballon d'Or, showcasing his incredible skill, vision, and ability to break records season after season.

2012 - Lionel Messi: A fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or for Messi highlighted his sustained brilliance. His dribbling and goal-scoring records continued to astound the world.

2013 - Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo, now with Real Madrid, won his second Ballon d'Or. His athleticism, goal-scoring, and leadership were key to his success.

2014 - Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo reclaimed the Ballon d'Or, displaying his consistency as one of the world's top players.

2015 - Lionel Messi: Messi won his fifth Ballon d'Or, setting a new record for the most wins. His extraordinary dribbling and goal-scoring abilities remained unmatched.

2016 - Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo won his fourth Ballon d'Or after helping Portugal win the European Championship and leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

2017 - Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo secured his fifth Ballon d'Or after another remarkable season with Real Madrid, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

2018 - Luka Modric: Modric, the Croatian midfielder, broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the award. His playmaking and leadership led Croatia to the World Cup final and Real Madrid to a third consecutive Champions League title.

2019 - Lionel Messi: Messi reclaimed the Ballon d'Or, his sixth, reaffirming his status as one of football's all-time greats. His dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess remained extraordinary.

2020: Cancelled due to covid

2021: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain): Messi reclaimed the Ballon d'Or, his seventh, reaffirming his status as one of football's all-time greats. His dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess remained extraordinary