Credit: X
In football, Ballon d’Or is considered one of the most prestigious individual awards. In 1956, a popular French magazine ‘France Football’ started the award to honour the player who performs exceptionally in the previous season. Until 1995, it was given to players from European countries only but in 2007, it became a global prize which meant that players from all around the world can bag this award if they perform magnificently.
In the 21st century, legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have registered their dominance in the awards by winning the prize 13 times combined between 2008 to 2023. Both football icons won their maiden award for the first time at a young age and grabbed the limelight. After 68 years of the emergence of the illustrious award, SportsTiger has come up with the 10 youngest players who bagged the Ballon d'or.
10. Luis Suarez - 25 years, 7 months and 10 days
In 1960, Luis Suarez scripted history, becoming the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d’Or at the age of 25. He played a vital role in Barcelona’s eighth title win in La Liga. The striker notched up 13 goals in 23 outings.
9. Johan Cruyff - 24 years, 8 months and 3 days
Netherlands’ former forward Johan Cruyff, who was active in the sport from 1964 to 1984, also won the Ballon d’Or award at the age of 24 years, eight months and three days for his essential contribution to the first European title in AFC Ajax’s history.
8. Marco van Basten - 24 years, 1 month and 27 days
In 1988, Netherlands’ footballer Marco van Basten won the Ballon d’or for the first time. He gained 129 points while serving Milan. The Dutch outclassed Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit to clinch the award. He broke into the record books as the second youngest footballer to achieve it. His age was 24 years, 1 month and 27 days.
7. Eusebio - 23 years, 11 months and 3 days
Eusebio’s career spanned from 1957 to 1980 and during these 23 years, he added massive success to his profile. In 1964, when Benfica retained their Primeira Liga title, he stepped up and chipped in with 28 goals. With this figure, he became the most successful player in the season. His diligence also made him the first Portuguese to win the Ballon d’Or.
6. Cristiana Ronaldo - 23 years, 9 months and 27 days
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who has amassed the distinguished trophy five times, won the precious silverware for the first time at the age of 23 in 2008. He looked superb during Manchester United’s victorious campaign in 2007, scoring 31 goals in 34 matches.
5. Oleg Blokhin - 23 years, 1 month and 25 days
Ukraine’’s former player Oleg Blokhin emerged as the star player for Dynamo Kiev in the 1975 Soviet football championship. He scored 18 goals and became the player with the most number of goals in the season. Riding on his sensational performance, Kiev became the champions for the seventh time.
4. George Best - 22 years, 7 months and 2 days
George Best showcased his best in the 1967-68 Premier League, when Manchester United concluded their campaign as the runners-up. The Northern Irish player looked solid and scored 28 goals in the season. His excellent work got him Ballon d’Or at the age of 22.
3. Lionel Messi - 22 years, 5 months and 7 days
In 2009, Lionel Messi entered the record books for winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time at the age of 22. In Barcelona’s 19th title triumph, Messi, as a right-winger, racked up 23 goals in the season and concluded the season as the fourth-leading goal-scorer.
2. Michael Owen - 22 years and four days
Former England player Michael Owen pulled off the Ballon d’Or in 2001, when he was only 22 years old. His notable performance came in the Premier League 2000-01 edition, in which he scored 16 goals in 28 matches.
1. Ronaldo Nazario - 21 years, 3 months and 5 days
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario became the youngest player to win the Ballon d'Or in 1997. He registered the success at the age of 21. Serving Barcelona in La Liga, he ended his campaign as runners-up, scoring 34 goals in 37 matches.
