Ballon d’Or: Players who could have won if Messi, Ronaldo didn’t exist

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo out of the running, a new era has begun for the Ballon d’Or. For the first time since 2003, neither of these football icons made it onto this year’s shortlist.

Between them, they’ve clinched the prestigious award 13 times—Messi holding eight of those, including a streak of four consecutive wins from 2009 to 2012.

Although it appeared this era might have started earlier, with Messi missing the shortlist in 2021 and Ronaldo ranking 20th, the Argentine legend made a dramatic return last year, winning his eighth Ballon d’Or following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.

Beyond a few exceptions—like the surprising win of 2018 and the hopeful anticipation of 2022—many other star players have had their chances thwarted by the unmatched brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo. And that’s not even counting 2020 when the award was cancelled.

Here’s a look back at some players who might have claimed the Ballon d’Or in a world without the shadow of these two football giants.

This list celebrates those whose extraordinary performances would have earned them football’s top individual honour, if not for the brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo.

Fernando Torres (2008)

Club & Country: Liverpool, Spain

Position: Striker

Goals in 2008: 26

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Torres shone in the 2007-08 season, leading Liverpool and scoring the decisive goal that gave Spain victory at Euro 2008. Despite his 33 goals for club and country, he finished behind Ronaldo and Messi in the Ballon d’Or vote, unable to overcome the dominance of the duo.

Xavi (2009, 2011)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain

Position: Centre Midfield

Goals in 2009: 7

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Messi took his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 after Barcelona’s treble-winning season, finishing well ahead of Ronaldo. Xavi, with his influential role in Barcelona’s midfield, finished third, contributing significantly to Messi’s success with assists and tactical play.

Goals in 2011: 12

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Xavi found himself third once more, following Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League wins. Despite his key contributions, Messi’s staggering 73 goals that season meant the Ballon d’Or went to the Argentine again.

Andres Iniesta (2010, 2012)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain

Position: Centre Midfield

Goals in 2010: 11

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Iniesta’s vital role in Spain’s World Cup victory in South Africa, including scoring the final’s winning goal, earned him second place. But it wasn’t enough to surpass Messi, who clinched his second consecutive award.

Goals in 2012: 8

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Iniesta played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2012 win and helped Barcelona dominate domestically. Yet, Messi’s record-breaking 91 goals in a calendar year secured his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, leaving Iniesta in third place.

Franck Ribery (2013)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, France

Position: Winger

Goals in 2013: 23

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

After guiding Bayern Munich to a historic treble, Ribery seemed a strong contender. However, Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup qualification performances helped him secure the award, leaving Ribery in third.

Manuel Neuer (2014)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, Germany

Position: Goalkeeper

Clean Sheets in 2014: 32

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Neuer’s standout performances in Bayern’s goal, and particularly during Germany’s World Cup triumph, led many to believe he deserved the Ballon d’Or. But Ronaldo retained the title with Real Madrid’s Champions League success.

Neymar (2015, 2017)

Club & Country: Barcelona, PSG, Brazil

Position: Forward

Goals in 2015: 43

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Despite scoring 39 goals and winning the treble with Barcelona, Neymar finished third, with Messi and Ronaldo again proving impossible to surpass.

Goals in 2017: 34

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Neymar’s incredible impact, especially during Barcelona’s comeback against PSG, wasn’t enough to dislodge Ronaldo from the top spot, leaving him once again in third.

Antoine Griezmann (2016)

Club & Country: Atletico Madrid, France

Position: Striker

Goals in 2016: 33

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Despite leading Atletico to the Champions League final and France to the Euro 2016 final, Griezmann ended up behind Ronaldo, who won both trophies.

Virgil van Dijk (2019)

Club & Country: Liverpool, Netherlands

Position: Centre-back

Clearances in 2019: 246

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Van Dijk’s defensive brilliance led Liverpool to the Champions League title and nearly earned him the Ballon d’Or. Yet, Messi reclaimed the award, narrowly edging out the Dutch defender.

Robert Lewandowski (2021)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, Poland

Position: Striker

Goals in 2021: 64

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Many believed Lewandowski deserved the 2021 Ballon d’Or after his phenomenal scoring record. Messi even acknowledged this in his acceptance speech, calling for Lewandowski to be retrospectively awarded the 2020 Ballon d’Or.

Erling Haaland (2023)

Club & Country: Manchester City, Norway

Position: Striker

Goals in 2023: 64

Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Haaland had a record-breaking debut season with Manchester City, including a Premier League record for goals. But despite his achievements, Messi’s World Cup win with Argentina helped him take his eighth Ballon d’Or, with Haaland finishing just behind.