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In football, while team trophies are often seen as benchmarks of success, individual accolades can sometimes be a more accurate reflection of a player's personal achievements.
Football, inherently a team sport, has witnessed many legendary players whose personal brilliance wasn't always mirrored by their teams' triumphs. Recognizing a player's individual impact, through awards like the Golden Boot or Ballon d'Or, is crucial. These honors not only acknowledge standout performances in a particular season but also contribute significantly to a player's career legacy.
In this article, we have brought you the 10 players with the most individual accolades in the history of football.
10. Johan Cruyff: 10 Awards
Johan Cruyff may be at the bottom of this list, but he remains one of the most elegant players to have ever graced the football pitch. His skillful dribbling and unmatched tactical mind were a joy to behold for those who were fortunate enough to be watching at the time.
Three Ballon d'Or awards in the space of four years in the early 1970s prove he was one of the top players in the world despite his low tally on this list in comparison to those ahead of him. Cruyff's legacy will forever live on as he became adored at both Ajax and Barcelona for his contributions to two of the biggest clubs in Europe as a player and a manager.
9. Alfredo Di Stefano: 12 Awards
Having won two of the first Ballon d'Or trophies handed out in the late 1950s, Real Madrid's top goalscorer at the time would go on to make history by becoming the first recipient of the Super Ballon d'Or in 1989. The award was handed out to the man who was decided to be the best player of the previous 30 years, and Di Stefano remains the only player to ever be handed the honour.
Di Stefano switched international allegiances as he swapped Argentina for Spain and went on to become one of the best - if not the best - players in Spanish history. Lifting the Spanish Player of the Year accolade four times, he cemented himself as an iconic figure in his adopted homeland.
8. Michel Platini: 12 Awards
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He is only the second midfielder to make the list after his compatriot, Zidane, but Michel Platini was a unique figure in that his goalscoring exploits could be placed on a par with some of the best forward players we have seen. The year 1984 belonged to the Juventus star as he dominated the European Championships, being named the top scorer of the tournament as he led his nation to glory.
This was amid the best spell of Platini's playing career, and the Frenchman lifted three successive Ballons d'Or in 1983, 1984, and 1985. Being able to command the engine room as well as getting forward to have a positive impact on the game is a dream for any football manager, and Platini was a master in both fields.
7. Zinedine Zidane: 13 Awards
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Zinedine Zidane led France to World Cup success in 1998 as the host nation defeated Ronaldo's Brazil in the tournament's final. The gifted midfielder's performances in that tournament and at club level were rewarded with a Ballon d'Or and a FIFA World Player of the Year award in the same year. He was also judged to be the best French player of the year, despite stiff competition from Thierry Henry, among others.
This wasn't his only impressive showing at an international tournament either, as Zidane likely would have been rewarded for his efforts in the 2006 World Cup had he not controversially headbutted Marco Materazzi in the final and cost his side the victory. He was the Player of the Tournament at the Euros in 2000 and added a collection of accolades at club level to his haul.
6. Eusebio: 17 Awards
Ronaldo may steal all the headlines in the modern game when it comes to the best players to come from Portugal, but Eusebio's legacy cannot be ignored. The Benfica icon was known to be one of the best finishers of all time as he thundered in goals for fun during his time in his homeland. This is evident by his seven awards for being the top scorer in the Portuguese top flight, with five coming in successive years from 1964 to 1968.
His uncanny ability to find the back of the net has helped the late hero's name within the game continue to be held in high regard. Eusebio passed away in 2014, but the former striker remains a firm fixture in lists such as this one. It goes to show the impact he had during his era.
5. Gerd Muller: 18 awards
Before Robert Lewandowski terrorized defenses for Bayern Munich, Gerd Muller ruled the Bundesliga with an iron fist. His legacy stands unchallenged, etched in the record books with over 300 goals – the most in the competition's history. Muller's dominance wasn't restricted to single seasons; he claimed the top scorer crown a staggering seven times, showcasing his unwavering consistency. His prowess extended beyond domestic borders, with four European Cup top scorer awards solidifying his reputation as one of Germany's greatest exports. Muller's name sits firmly atop the pantheon of German football, rivaled only by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.
4. Ronaldo: 18 awards
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Ronaldo Nazario, a name synonymous with elite marksmanship, graced the jerseys of some of the world's biggest clubs – AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. His trophy cabinet overflows with individual accolades, a testament to his reign as the ultimate scoring machine. Ronaldo's blend of pace, power, and finesse made him a nightmare for any defender unfortunate enough to cross his path. But his brilliance wasn't confined to club football. The Brazilian carried the hopes of an entire nation on his broad shoulders, eventually delivering two World Cups and etching his name in history with a masterclass performance in the 2002 final. Ronaldo's collection of awards reflects a perfect harmony of international and club success, a true testament to his global impact.
3. Marco van Basten: 20 awards
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Marco van Basten's career, tragically cut short by injuries at the age of 31, still manages to outshine most in terms of individual accolades. Despite his premature retirement, he sits third in the all-time list with 20 awards, a testament to his undeniable talent. Van Basten's trophy cabinet overflows with top scorer awards from his stints at Ajax, AC Milan, and the Dutch national team, where his lethal finishing terrorized defenses across Europe and the world. Renowned for his exquisite ball-striking, Van Basten earned a reputation as one of the best players of his generation, further solidified by his three Ballon d'Or awards within a mere five-year span. Even amidst a generation brimming with Dutch talent, Van Basten's brilliance shone particularly bright, earning him the coveted title of best player in his country in 1985.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: 32 awards
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Cristiano Ronaldo, the eternal rival of Lionel Messi, needs no introduction. His name is synonymous with goalscoring records shattered and individual accolades amassed. The Portuguese superstar has rewritten the history books, claiming the title of the most prolific goalscorer in football history, surpassing legends like Pele and Messi himself. While competing in the same era as Messi has arguably cast a shadow on his achievements, Ronaldo's five Ballon d'Or awards stand as a testament to his undeniable greatness. He stands as one of only two players to have lifted the prestigious award on more than three occasions. Ronaldo's trophy cabinet boasts league titles from the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, a testament to his ability to adapt and conquer wherever he goes.
1. Lionel Messi: 52 awards
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In 2023, Lionel Messi cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest footballer of all time by adding an eighth Ballon d'Or to his already overflowing collection. His career, a tapestry woven with individual and collective triumphs, has been a masterclass in sustained excellence. From his early days as a mesmerizing teenager to his current reign as a seasoned maestro, Messi has captivated audiences for over two decades. His individual haul of awards surpasses even his illustrious peers, but Messi's true greatness lies in his unparalleled blend of individual brilliance and team success. He is the most decorated footballer in the world, boasting a plethora of top scorer awards and a staggering 14 Argentina Player of the Year titles.
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