!['In Their Prime': Top 9 Youngest Ever Ballon d'Or Winners in History [Ranked]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/28082024/d18634cb-ffcf-4fbc-9a95-f818c8ebc952.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has represented the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, with the names of countless legendary players etched into its golden surface.
From Lionel Messi, who has claimed an unprecedented eight trophies, to Stanley Matthews, the very first recipient, each winner has earned the right to be celebrated as one of the sport's greats.
As we move into 2024, the race for the next Ballon d'Or remains wide open, with no clear frontrunner in sight.
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The football world is abuzz with speculation about who will step up to claim this prestigious honor. Among the top contenders, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham stand out as exciting prospects.
If either of them were to win, they would not only make history as one of the youngest recipients but also signify a new era in football, joining an elite group of prodigies who have earned the game's most coveted individual accolade at a young age.
9 Youngest Ever Ballon d'Or Winners in History
9. Johan Cruyff
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- Age: 24 years, 8 months, and 3 days
- Year: 1971
Johan Cruyff who is among list of Pulse Sports best footballers of every decade, was more than just a footballer; he was a revolutionary figure who changed the way the game was played. A product of the Ajax youth system, Cruyff was the embodiment of "Total Football," a style of play that emphasized fluidity and versatility.
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In the history of football, some players are remembered as giants of their time, making a lasting impact on the sport with their exceptional skill, passion, and commitment to the game. Figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and Johan Cruyff are among the top best footballers who have created a timeless legacy in the beautiful game.
In 1971, Cruyff won his first Ballon d'Or after leading Ajax to their first European Cup title. His vision, intelligence, and technical skill set him apart as one of the greatest players of all time. Cruyff's influence extended beyond his playing days, as he later became a successful coach and philosopher of the game, leaving an indelible mark on football culture.
8. Marco van Basten
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- Age: 24 years, 1 month, and 27 days
- Year: 1988
Marco van Basten was a complete striker, known for his elegance, technical ability, and lethal finishing. In 1988, van Basten won his first Ballon d'Or after leading the Netherlands to their first major international trophy, the European Championship.
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His memorable volley in the final against the Soviet Union is still considered one of the greatest goals in football history. Van Basten also excelled at the club level with AC Milan, where he helped the team dominate European football.
Despite his career being cut short by injuries, van Basten won the Ballon d'Or three times, cementing his legacy as one of the best strikers in history.
7. Eusébio
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- Age: 23 years, 11 months, and 3 days
- Year: 1965
Eusébio, often referred to as "The Black Panther," was a Portuguese football legend who played most of his career with Benfica. Known for his explosive pace and powerful shot, Eusébio was a prolific goal-scorer.
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In 1965, he won the Ballon d'Or after leading Benfica to another Portuguese league title and impressing on the international stage with Portugal.
Eusébio's influence extended beyond his playing career; he was a trailblazer for African-born players in Europe and remains one of the greatest players of all time.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
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- Age: 23 years, 9 months, and 27 days
- Year: 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Lionel Messi, has defined an era of football greatness. In 2008, Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or after a remarkable season with Manchester United, where he scored 42 goals and led the club to both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
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His combination of physicality, technical skill, and relentless work ethic made him a complete forward. Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or win in 2008 was the first of five (as of 2024), marking the beginning of a rivalry with Messi that would captivate the football world for over a decade.
5. Oleg Blokhin
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- Age: 23 years, 1 month, and 25 days
- Year: 1975
Oleg Blokhin was a Soviet football legend and one of the greatest players in the history of Dynamo Kyiv. In 1975, Blokhin led Dynamo to victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, putting Soviet football on the map.
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His incredible pace and goal-scoring prowess made him a standout player. Blokhin's Ballon d'Or win in 1975 was a recognition of his contributions to both club and country. He remains the only player from the former Soviet Union to have won the award.
4. George Best
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- Age: 22 years, 7 months, and 2 days
- Year: 1968
George Best was more than just a footballer; he was a cultural icon. Known for his dazzling dribbling skills and flair, Best was a key player for Manchester United in the 1960s.
In 1968, he was instrumental in helping United become the first English club to win the European Cup (now known as the Champions League).
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His performances that year, including a brilliant display in the final against Benfica, earned him the Ballon d'Or. Best's charisma and talent made him one of the most beloved figures in football history, even though his career was marred by off-field issues.
3. Lionel Messi
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- Age: 22 years, 5 months, and 7 days
- Year: 2009
Lionel Messi, often considered the greatest footballer of all time, won his first Ballon d'Or in 2009 after a stellar season with Barcelona.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Messi led Barcelona to an unprecedented treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
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His incredible dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability were on full display, and his Ballon d'Or win marked the beginning of an era of dominance. Messi would go on to win the award seven more times, solidifying his place as a football legend.
2. Michael Owen
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- Age: 22 years and 4 days
- Year: 2001
Michael Owen's career was defined by his incredible pace and finishing ability. As a teenager, he made headlines with his spectacular solo goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
By 2001, Owen was the star of Liverpool, leading them to a historic treble of the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup.
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His clutch performances, including a memorable brace in the FA Cup final, helped him secure the Ballon d'Or that year, making him the first Englishman to win the award since Kevin Keegan in 1979.
1. Ronaldo Nazário
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- Age: 21 years, 3 months, and 5 days
- Year: 1997
Ronaldo Nazário, often referred to simply as "Ronaldo," burst onto the scene in the mid-1990s as a football prodigy. By 1997, he had already established himself as one of the most feared strikers in the world.
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His combination of speed, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.
That year, Ronaldo's performances for Barcelona and the Brazilian national team, including a scintillating run to the Copa América title, earned him his first Ballon d'Or at just 21.
Ronaldo went on to have a legendary career, becoming one of the greatest strikers in football history.
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