The Balon d’Or is a prestigious award given to those who are believed to have given the most exceptional performance in the season. The award is declared by French Football, a French sports magazine by collaborating with numerous journalists who vote for the athlete to whom the award should be awarded. The award is presented at an international level and is one of the most esteemed awards.
The Balon d’Or awardees include great players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho. However, there are many superstar footballers who could not make it up to the mark and were never awarded the Balon d’Or in their careers.
Thierry Henry
The all-time highest goalscorer for Arsenal, Thierry Henry’s contribution to his team and the game are immeasurable. He was an inductee for the Hall of Fame 2021 of Premier League.
With a never-ending list of individual honors, Henry was also a runner-up for the Balon d’Or in the 2003 season. That was the season when the Gunners were completely unstoppable and destroyed any obstacle in their path.
However, the Frenchman could not win a Balon d’Or in his magnificent career.
Ferenc Puskas
Ferenc Puskas is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His legacy was so great that FIFA decided to name an award in his name. The Puskas award is given to the player with the most beautiful goal in the season.
However, the player could never get his hands on a single Balon d’Or in his esteemed career. However, he was once a step far from this award when he won the silver award for Balon d’Or in 1960.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
With 34 trophies to flaunt on his shelf, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is easily one of the most successful players in the world. This Swedish player can hit an accurate shot from even across the field diagonal.
Zlatan was nominated for the Balon d’Or 11 times in his career. However, the player could never get the trophy. The closest he could go was reaching fourth place for the Balon d’Or 2013.
Paolo Maldini
This Italian footballer is regarded as one of the best defenders of all time. His dedication and captaincy led to his title of ‘The Captain’ in Italian football. He dedicated his whole senior career to AC Milan and the Italian national football team.
His achievements are not enough to express his contribution to the Italian game. He never won the Balon d’Or. However, he placed third twice for the Balon d’Or in 1994 and 2003.
Sergio Ramos
With over 22 major honors, Sergio Ramos is one of the most decorated players of all time. He has been found in the UEFA Team of the Year a total of nine times. He is also feared as one of the best defenders of all time.
However, the Spanish player has never won a single Balon ‘dOr in his entire career.
Xavi
Really one of the greatest players of all time, Xavi was an exceptional midfielder. After helping Barcelona become one of the most successful clubs in the world, Xavi now guides them as their manager.
The Spanish player has numerous individual honors. But in his career as an athlete, he could never get his hands on the Balon d’Or.
Dennis Bergkamp
Bergkamp alongside his teammate Henry was part of the Arsenal squad that was entitled “the invincibles”. Dennis played for Ajax in his initial career and currently is a manager for the team.
However, most of his fame comes from Arsenal where Arsene Wenger identified Dennis’s potential and wanted him to play as a forward. He scored many goals for the team but could never win a Balon d’Or.
Luis Suarez
Entitled ‘The Gunman’, this 6ft striker is well known for his aggression on the field. He thrashes the opponent’s wall of defense like it’s nothing. Suarez has played for many big teams like Ajax, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
In his career, he has achieved a lot of individual honors for his exceptional performance throughout. He has received a golden boot in Premier League 2013-14 season. But unfortunately, this Uruguayan player could not lift the Balon d’Or for once.
Andres Iniesta
Iniesta was a superstar throughout his whole senior career with Barcelona. His starlight even shone alongside players like Messi and Xavi. He has 35 major trophies on his shelf that add to his radiation.
Iniesta made his way up to the Bronze Balon d’Or Dream Team in 2020. However, this Spanish midfielder has his Balon d’Or section on his shelf still empty.
Neymar
This Brazillian football player became an instant hit as soon he started his senior career in Santos. He was signed by Barcelona and played as their forward player alongside Messi. Neymar was later signed by PSG for a whopping €222 million, making him the most expensive player in the world.
He has a mountain of individual honors and has also been awarded the FIFA Puskas Award. The player also placed third twice for the Balon d’Or in 2015 and 2017. However, this extremely talented young man could never get a Balon d’Or.
