5 Youngest Ballon d’Or Winners in the History

The Ballon d'Or is considered one of the highest honors in football, given each year to the player recognized as the top in the world. Since it was established in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has come to represent excellence in football, with iconic figures such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and George Best being part of its prestigious legacy. Nonetheless, while some athletes have taken years to reach their prime and win the sought-after prize, others have reached this milestone at a surprisingly young age.

This blog will delve deeply into the youngest recipients of the Ballon d’Or, highlighting those players who stood out early in their careers and made a mark in the history of football.

1. Ronaldo Nazário – Age 21 (1997)

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, also known as "O Fenômeno" (The Phenomenon), was a dominating presence in the early stages of his European football career. At only 21 years old in 1997, the Brazilian forward secured his first Ballon d'Or award. His incredible speed, excellent ball handling, and precise scoring ability made him extremely difficult to defend against.

Ronaldo had a phenomenal season for Barcelona in 1996-1997, netting 47 goals in 49 games in various competitions. Defenders found him incredibly difficult to defend against due to his exceptional dribbling abilities and knack for scoring from any spot on the field. He then transferred to Inter Milan and maintained his successful performance in Serie A.

When Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, he was the youngest player to do so, a record that non-European players have yet to surpass under the previous standards. His 1997 win marked the start of a successful career where he also won the award in 2002, solidifying his position as one of the greatest players ever.

Key Stats:

Club (1997): Barcelona/Inter Milan

Age at Ballon d’Or Win: 21 years, 3 months

Major Achievements (1997): Copa del Rey, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, Copa América

2. Lionel Messi – Age 22 (2009)

Lionel Messi quickly moved up in the football world and made his mark at 22 years old when he won his first Ballon d'Or in 2009, solidifying his status as a football genius from Argentina. During his time at Barcelona, Messi was already a crucial player for the team, but the 2008-09 season took him to another level.

Messi played a key role in Barcelona's unprecedented treble victory, where they secured La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League titles, thanks to his exceptional dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. His brilliance was showcased in the Champions League final against Manchester United, where he scored a key header.

Messi's initial Ballon d'Or win in 2009 marked the start of a period of unparalleled supremacy. He proceeded to earn the award seven times (as of 2023), solidifying his status as one of the sport's most highly honored players.

Key Stats:

Club (2009): Barcelona

Age at Ballon d’Or Win: 22 years, 5 months

Major Achievements (2009): La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup

3. Michael Owen – Age 22 (2001)

Michael Owen's victory in the Ballon d'Or in 2001 could be unexpected for some, yet for those who saw his early days as a player, it was evident that the English forward was unique. Owen quickly became well-known on the global stage as a young person, and by 22, he was already famous throughout Europe.

Owen had a remarkable year in 2001, contributing significantly to Liverpool's success in winning three major titles. The team won the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, thanks to Owen scoring important goals at critical times. His hat-trick against Germany in a World Cup qualifier played a major role in his Ballon d’Or win, along with his appearances for the England national team.

Despite facing later career setbacks due to injuries, Owen's exceptional talent was evident at its highest point, and his Ballon d'Or victory stands as proof of his brilliance in the early 2000s.

Key Stats:

Club (2001): Liverpool

Age at Ballon d’Or Win: 22 years, 4 days

Major Achievements (2001): FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, European Super Cup

4. George Best – Age 22 (1968)

George Best was not only a football player but also a cultural icon. His charm both on and off the field elevated him to international fame, and his displays for Manchester United were truly iconic. In 1968, when he was 22 years old, Best was awarded the Ballon d'Or following an impressive season with United.

Best's incredible ball control and offensive skills earned him a strong following among fans, with his greatest moment being Manchester United's victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) final. Best excelled in the final and played a key role in United's victory. His talent for effortlessly getting past defenders and his skill in netting crucial goals led to him being called "The Fifth Beatle," showing his popularity in the vibrant 1960s.

Even with personal struggles and distractions off the field, Best's skill and his 1968 Ballon d'Or victory are still an important part of football history.

Key Stats:

Club (1968): Manchester United

Age at Ballon d’Or Win: 22 years, 7 months

Major Achievements (1968): European Cup, English First Division

5. Cristiano Ronaldo – Age 23 (2008)

Cristiano Ronaldo's victory in the Ballon d'Or in 2008 marked the beginning of an epic rivalry with Lionel Messi that would rule the world of football for more than ten years. When Ronaldo was 23 years old, he was in top form, having recently guided Manchester United to victory in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo's exceptional playing ability comes from a mix of physical strength, quickness, and technical skill. The 2007-08 season was exceptional for the Portuguese forward, as he scored 42 goals in total, including a crucial goal in the Champions League final against Chelsea. Ronaldo's talent in altering matches by himself made him stand out, and he truly earned his Ballon d'Or victory.

Similar to Messi, Ronaldo's initial Ballon d'Or award foreshadowed his future successes. He has proceeded to secure the award five times, solidifying his position as one of the greatest players ever.

Key Stats:

Club (2008): Manchester United

Age at Ballon d’Or Win: 23 years, 10 months

Major Achievements (2008): Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Community Shield

 

 

 

Final thoughts

The Ballon d'Or typically celebrates players at their best, but we've observed that some athletes achieve their peak at a young age. The young champions who received this prestigious award have made a lasting impact on the sport, achieving success early in their careers.

Athletes such as Ronaldo Nazário and Lionel Messi went on to have extended and iconic careers, continuing to impress supporters well beyond their initial Ballon d'Or victory. Michael Owen and George Best, among others, may have faced setbacks in their careers because of injuries or off-field problems, but their success during their peak years remains unparalleled.

These young Ballon d’Or champions show us that talent is not limited by age, and at times, the brightest football players shine from a young age. These players made a lasting impression on the sport, showcasing incredible speed, exceptional ball control, and precise scoring ability at a young age, solidifying their legacy as football prodigies.