Afrigather The Ballon d’Or is soccer’s highest particular person honor, awarded yearly to the world’s finest participant. Legends like Lionel Messi, with a file 8 wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with 5, have dominated this accolade.
Nevertheless, a number of the best gamers to ever grace the sphere, regardless of their unimaginable performances and contributions to the game, have by no means been awarded the Ballon d’Or. Listed below are some soccer stars who, surprisingly, by no means received the Ballon d’Or.
Frank Lampard
English midfielder Frank Lampard loved an illustrious profession, most notably with Chelsea, the place he turned the membership’s all-time main goal-scorer. Lampard performed an important function in Chelsea’s success, serving to them to a number of Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy. He constantly carried out on the highest stage, however the Ballon d’Or at all times remained out of attain for him.
Clarence Seedorf
As one of the crucial embellished footballers within the sport’s historical past, Clarence Seedorf has received league titles and Champions League trophies with Ajax, Actual Madrid, and AC Milan. Seedorf additionally represented the Netherlands with distinction on the worldwide stage.
Regardless of his success and immense expertise, Seedorf by no means received his arms on the Ballon d’Or.
Samuel Eto’o
One in all Africa’s best footballer, Samuel Eto’o had an unimaginable profession at golf equipment like Barcelona and Inter Milan. He received a number of league titles and Champions League trophies, in addition to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. Eto’o was named African Participant of the Yr a number of instances, however the Ballon d’Or by no means got here his means.
Paolo Maldini
Having spent his total profession at AC Milan, Paolo Maldini is extensively thought of the most effective defenders in soccer historical past. He collected quite a few Serie A titles and Champions League trophies. Maldini additionally loved an extended and profitable worldwide profession with Italy, profitable the European Championship in 1988. His defensive mastery made him a soccer icon, however the Ballon d’Or at all times eluded him.
Andres Iniesta
As one of many best midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta was a central determine in Barcelona’s golden period. He helped his crew win a number of La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and Champions League crowns.
Iniesta’s function in Spain’s 2010 World Cup win, in addition to their back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, cemented his standing as a footballing legend. But, regardless of all these achievements, he by no means received the Ballon d’Or.
Andrea Pirlo
Except for his unimaginable imaginative and prescient and stylish type of play, Andrea Pirlo was a maestro in midfield. He received a number of Serie A titles with AC Milan and Juventus and performed an important function in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph. Pirlo’s capability to manage the sport and ship pinpoint passes earned him respect throughout the footballing world, however regardless of all of this, the Ballon d’Or was by no means his.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is understood for his distinctive type, aptitude, and talent to attain jaw-dropping targets. His profession took him throughout a lot of Europe’s high golf equipment, together with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, the place he received quite a few league titles. Regardless of his unimaginable goal-scoring file and world fame, Ibrahimovic by no means received the Ballon d’Or, which is exceptional contemplating his constant excellence through the years.
Luis Suarez
As one of the crucial deadly strikers on the planet for over a decade, Luis Suarez has success at Ajax, Liverpool, and Barcelona noticed him win league titles, home cups, and the Champions League. Suarez additionally performed a key function in Uruguay’s Copa America victory in 2011. Regardless of being the most effective goal-scorers of his technology, Suarez by no means claimed the Ballon d’Or.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry was one of the crucial feared forwards of his technology. His profession included stints at Arsenal and Barcelona, the place he received a number of league titles, FA Cups, and the Champions League.
On the worldwide stage, Henry was a part of the French crew that received the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship. He was a runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 2003, however by no means managed to win the coveted award.
Arjen Robben
One high participant know for his lightning tempo and his signature transfer of chopping inside from the wing to unleash a robust left-footed shot is Arjen Robben. He loved success at golf equipment like Chelsea, Actual Madrid, and Bayern Munich, profitable a number of league titles and a Champions League trophy. He additionally helped lead the Netherlands to the World Cup last in 2010. Nevertheless, Robben by no means received the Ballon d’Or, regardless of his expertise and consistency.
