Almost every football fan has asked themselves at least once: “Who is the greatest footballer in history?” Even those far from the sport often join this debate.

Some judge by goals and assists, others by clean sheets, trophies, or overall influence on the game. However, one of the most respected measures of greatness is the Ballon d'Or.

Here, we present the top 10 footballers who have won this prestigious award more than once — proof that they have left a lasting legacy in football history.

10th place: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — 2 Golden Balls (1980, 1981)
One of the symbols of German football in the 1980s, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge won the Golden Ball twice in a row — in 1980 and 1981. These awards came at the peak of his career, when he was shining for Bayern Munich and the West German national team. He was a technical, fast and incredibly prolific striker who could create chances and finish attacks himself. In total, he played 521 matches for clubs and the national team, scoring 266 goals. Among his main achievements are the gold medal at the 1980 European Championship, as well as two World Cup finals — in 1982 and 1986, where Germany won silver both times. Despite failing to win the world title, he remained the team's leader and a real driving force in attack. After retiring, Rummenigge did not leave football — he became an influential football official and served as chairman of the board of Bayern Munich for a long time.

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9th place: Kevin Keegan – 2 Golden Balls (1978, 1979)
Kevin Keegan won the Ballon d'Or twice, in 1978 and 1979. He remains the only Englishman to have led a German club to victory in the Bundesliga and the European Cup final.

At just 173 cm tall, he was nicknamed ‘The Mighty Mouse’ — despite his modest size, he was known for his power, endurance and incredible dedication. His aggression and speed more than made up for his lack of height.

He played 657 matches and scored 226 goals during his career. He played for the England national team and later became its head coach. Although he did not achieve great success as a coach, his charisma and passion for football continue to inspire people to this day.

Interesting fact: Keegan was one of the first English players to achieve popularity outside the UK, long before it became commonplace.

8th place: Alfredo Di Stefano — 2 Golden Balls (1957, 1959)
Alfredo Di Stefano is one of the most prominent figures in football history. He won the Golden Ball twice (in 1957 and 1959) and remains the only recipient of the Super Golden Ball, awarded to him in 1989 as the best footballer of all time at that point.

He achieved his greatest successes with Real Madrid, with whom he won five consecutive European Cups. He was known for his versatility, able to play in any position from attack to defence. He is also unique in that he played for three national teams: Argentina, Colombia and Spain.

He played 562 games and scored 406 goals. A legend without whom Real Madrid would not have dominated in the 1950s.

7th place: Franz Beckenbauer — 2 Golden Balls (1972, 1976)
Franz Beckenbauer is a legendary German defender who changed football forever. He is considered the inventor of the libero position — a free defender who actively participates in attacks. Thanks to his vision, technique and leadership qualities, he became one of the few defenders to win the Ballon d'Or twice.

‘Kaiser Franz’ led the German national team to victory at the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup, as well as to silver at the 1966 World Cup. At club level, he shone for Bayern Munich, with whom he won domestic titles and the European Cup.

He played 695 matches and scored 100 goals — impressive statistics for a defender.

6th place: Ronaldo — 2 Golden Balls (1997, 2002)
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known as Ronaldo or ‘The Tooth,’ is one of the greatest strikers in football history. He was born on 18 September 1976 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He played for Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Milan, and was known for his incredible speed, dribbling, power and composure in front of goal.

Despite serious injuries, he managed to return to the top. At the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he became the hero of the tournament, scoring eight goals, including a brace in the final against Germany, and helped Brazil win their fifth title. His unusual hairstyle — with a shaved head and small fringe — became a symbol of the tournament: Ronaldo himself admitted that he did it to distract attention from the effects of his injury.

After retiring, he became president of Spanish club Real Valladolid.

His successes:

• 512 official matches at club and international level
• 370 career goals
• Winner of the Golden Ball in 1997 and 2002
• World Champion in 1994 (as a substitute) and 2002
• Two-time Copa América winner (1997, 1999)
• Confederations Cup winner (1997)
• Silver medallist at the 1998 World Cup and 1995 Copa América
• Bronze medallist at the 1996 Olympic Games

5th place: Marco van Basten — 3 Golden Balls (1988, 1989, 1992)
Marco van Basten is a Dutch football legend and one of the most elegant strikers of his time. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, which highlights his outstanding level of play during an era of fierce competition.

His elegant playing style and perfect technique earned him the nicknames ‘San Marco’ and ‘The Swan of Utrecht.’ His stunning goal in the Euro 1988 final against the USSR is particularly memorable — a shot from a sharp angle that became one of the most beautiful in the history of the tournament.

Unfortunately, Van Basten's career ended too early due to a chronic ankle injury — he hung up his boots at the age of 28. However, even in such a short time, he left a bright mark on the history of football.

His successes:

• 342 official matches at club and international level
• 244 goals in his career
• Winner of the Golden Ball in 1988, 1989 and 1992
• European Champion in 1988
• Bronze medallist at the European Championships in 1992

4th place: Johan Cruyff — 3 Golden Balls (1971, 1973, 1974)
Johan Cruyff is a true genius and icon of Dutch and world football. Having won the Golden Ball three times, he not only played brilliantly, but also created a style of play that formed the basis of modern football — the famous ‘total football’.

Cruyff was a key figure for both the Netherlands national team and Barcelona, where he became a true legend and later an influential coach. His technical skill and playing style are considered the benchmark for many generations, including greats such as Lionel Messi.

Although he never won a World Cup, his influence on football cannot be overstated — the bronze medal at Euro 1976 and the silver medal at the 1974 World Cup only serve to highlight his outstanding career.

His successes:

• 564 official matches at club and international level
• 324 goals in his career
• Winner of the Golden Ball in 1971, 1973 and 1974
• Silver medallist at the 1974 World Cup
• Bronze medallist at the 1976 European Championship

3rd place: Michel Platini — 3 consecutive Ballon d'Or awards (1983, 1984, 1985)
Michel François Platini is a legendary French midfielder and one of the greatest players of the 20th century. He is unique in that he won the Ballon d'Or three times in a row, a rare achievement in football history.

Technical, creative and a leader on the pitch, he not only distributed passes but also scored himself — 269 goals in 517 matches. In 1984, he led France to victory at the European Championships, and at the 1986 World Cup, he won bronze.

France Football named him the best footballer of the 20th century, confirming his enormous influence on the development of the game.

His successes:

• 517 official matches at club and international level
• 269 goals in his career
• Winner of the Golden Ball in 1983, 1984 and 1985
• European Champion in 1984
• Bronze medallist at the 1986 World Cup
• Voted best footballer of the 20th century by France Football

2nd place: Cristiano Ronaldo — 5 Golden Balls (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is one of the most outstanding footballers of the 21st century, born on 5 February 1985 in Portugal. During his career, he has played for clubs such as Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and in 2023 he returned to Manchester United, and later in 2024 he signed a contract with the Saudi club Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo remains one of football's all-time greats, setting the record for goals scored for the Portuguese national team and ranking among the top scorers in the UEFA Champions League.

Despite his age, Cristiano continues to perform at a high level, demonstrating phenomenal physical fitness and motivation. In 2022, he helped the Portuguese national team reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, confirming his status as a world football legend.

As of 2025:

• Over 115 goals for the Portuguese national team (a national record)
• Over 850 matches and over 600 goals at club level
• 5 Ballon d'Or awards (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
• Winner of Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League
• Participant in the World Cups from 2006 to 2022

His career is an example of incredible dedication to the sport and a constant pursuit of excellence, despite his age and challenges.

1st place: Lionel Messi — 7 Golden Balls (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2023)
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is one of the greatest footballers in history, born on 24 June 1987 in Argentina. He holds the record for the number of Golden Balls — seven, including his recent victory in 2023.

Messi is the top scorer in the history of Barcelona and the Argentine national team. In 2021, he won the Copa América, and in 2022, he became world champion, cementing his status as a football legend.

After many years at Barcelona, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain and then to MLS, continuing to impress with his play.

As of 2025:

• Over 780 matches and over 700 goals at club level
• Leader in goals and assists in the history of the Argentine national team
• 7 Golden Balls (record)
• Winner of the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup
• 2008 Olympic gold medallist

The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo is a legendary theme that will remain in football history forever.