These six players who achieved the World Cup and Ballon d'Or double

Spain's victory in the World Cup final on Sunday, with Rodri named the tournament's best player, has reignited the perennial debate about the next Ballon d'Or. After every World Cup triumph, the question returns: can the tournament's best player automatically lay claim to France Football's prestigious individual award? The official Ballon d'Or account even reminded fans on social media that a World Cup winner does not necessarily win the Ballon d'Or in the same year.

While the World Cup offers unparalleled exposure, only six players in football history have managed the ultimate feat of lifting both trophies in the same year: the World Cup and the France Football Ballon d'Or. Let's look back at the legends who etched their names at the pinnacle of world football.

Throughout football history, very few players have been able to dominate a World Cup to the point of conquering, just months later, the prestigious France Football Ballon d'Or. Winning the World Cup is already an exceptional achievement. Adding the sport's highest individual honor places a player in the realm of legends.

Since the trophy's inception in 1956, only a handful of footballers have accomplished this feat.

Bobby Charlton, England's 1966 hero

In 1966, England claimed its first and only World Cup title. At the heart of this campaign stood Bobby Charlton. Elegant, powerful, and blessed with a thunderous shot, the Manchester United attacking midfielder carried the Three Lions to the summit.

His influence on the pitch and his importance to England's triumph convinced France Football's journalists to award him the Ballon d'Or that same year.

Paolo Rossi, the man who lit up Spain in 1982

Paolo Rossi's story is one of rebirth. After a difficult period, the Italian striker became the hero of the 1982 World Cup.

Scoring a memorable hat-trick against Brazil in the quarterfinals, then finding the net in both the semi-final and the final, Rossi finished as the tournament's top scorer and delivered Italy its third world title. A few months later, he received the Ballon d'Or, capping off a perfect year.

Lothar Matthäus, Germany's general in 1990

In 1990, Germany returned to global glory in Italy. Their captain, Lothar Matthäus, embodied this golden generation.

A complete midfielder, capable of defending, creating, and scoring, he dominated the tournament with his tactical acumen and leadership. His World Cup triumph was followed by a historic individual accolade: the 1990 Ballon d'Or.

Zinédine Zidane, France's genius in 1998

The 1998 World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in French football. On home soil, Zinedine Zidane became a national icon.

After a difficult start to the tournament, the playmaker lit up the final with two headed goals against Brazil. World champion and the technical leader of Les Bleus, Zidane was awarded the Ballon d'Or a few months later.

Ronaldo Nazário, the phenomenon's redemption in 2002

The 2002 World Cup was the stage for Ronaldo Nazário's comeback. After several serious injuries, the Brazilian returned to the top.

With eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, he delivered Brazil its fifth world title. His power, dribbling, and clinical finishing made him the best player of the year. He claimed the 2002 Ballon d'Or.

Fabio Cannavaro, the defender who defied the strikers in 2006

Fabio Cannavaro's achievement is unique. Rarely does a defender dominate the footballing year so completely. Captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning side, he impressed with his positioning, courage, and authority. This performance made him the first defender since Franz Beckenbauer to win the Ballon d'Or.

These stories show how a World Cup can change a player's destiny. A young talent who shines on football's grandest stage can step into a whole new dimension.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.