Ballon d'Or: Who is the oldest player to ever win the trophy?

The oldest winner of the Ballon d'Or is none other than Stanley Matthews. He achieved football's ultimate prize in 1956 at the age of 41.

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The Blackpool striker was the very first France Football Ballon d'Or recipient. He claimed the trophy in 1956, edging out Alfredo Di Stefano after celebrating his 41st birthday in February.

While this record seems almost unbreakable, several players in their thirties have managed to etch their names into the golden history of the competition. Notably, Lionel Messi lifted the award in 2023 at age 36, having previously done so at 34 (in 2021).

Karim Benzema also ranks among the seasoned champions. The Frenchman was 34 when he clinched the 2022 edition—matching the age of Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper ever to win, back in 1963.

Slightly younger, Alfredo Di Stefano (33 in 1959), Luka Modric (33 in 2018), and Fabio Cannavaro (33 in 2006) all tasted Ballon d'Or glory at the peak of their careers.

At 37, Robert Lewandowski is the oldest among the 30 nominees for the 2025 edition. However, it's nearly impossible to see him crowned on September 22, with favorites like Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, or Achraf Hakimi in the running.

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.