Ballon d'Or: The stars who managed to win this title multiple times in a row

Since 1956, there have been 46 different players who have claimed the Ballon d'Or across 68 editions. Some have lifted this prestigious trophy more than once—and even more impressively, on consecutive occasions.

The undisputed king in this regard is undoubtedly Lionel Messi. While La Pulga holds the record with 8 Ballon d'Or wins, he owes this incredible feat in part to his four consecutive Ballon d'Or triumphs from 2009 to 2012.

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No one has done better than the 2022 World Cup champion. Michel Platini claimed the award three years running, from 1983 to 1985.

It's worth noting that several players have managed to retain the trophy for two consecutive years. Rodri, who won the 2024 edition, won't be joining the ranks of double winners as he is not included in the list of 30 nominees for 2025.

Here is the ranking:

4 consecutive Ballon d'Or wins: Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012).

3 consecutive Ballon d'Or wins: Michel Platini (1983, 1984, 1985).

2 consecutive Ballon d'Or wins: Johan Cruyff (1973, 1974), Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981), Marco Van Basten (1988, 1989), Cristiano Ronaldo (2013, 2014 and 2016, 2017), and Lionel Messi (2019, 2021).

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.