The prestigious award has been awarded to players from 19 different clubs, showcasing the diverse talent in the world of football. However, Real Madrid stands out as a leading force in this recognition.
The intense rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona has significantly shaped the narrative of the Ballon d'Or over its 65-year history, as presented by 'France Football'. Both clubs have not only produced exceptional talent but also share the top spot in the all-time standings, each boasting 12 wins of this esteemed individual accolade. This ongoing competition continues to enhance the legacy of Spanish football.
Following the two LaLiga giants are these teams:
Juventus - 8 Ballon d'Ors
Juventus stands out as one of the most successful Italian clubs in history, a testament to their impressive record of producing eight Ballon d’Or winners. The journey began with the legendary Omar Sivori in 1961, but the club truly showcased its dominance in the early 1980s. From 1982 to 1985, Juventus players secured four consecutive Ballon d’Or awards, starting with Paolo Rossi. Following him, the iconic French midfielder Michel Platini won it.
The club continued to elevate its legacy with Roberto Baggio, who secured the award in 1993. This trend of excellence continued with Zinedine Zidane, who won his first Ballon d’Or in 1998. Most recently, Pavel Nedved added his name to this prestigious list, marking the club's enduring impact on the world of football.
AC Milan - 8 Ballon d'Ors
AC Milan, despite facing challenges over the past decade, remains one of the foremost giants in European football. The club has a rich history of nurturing exceptional talent, resulting in eight Ballon d'Or winners. Among these distinguished players, Gianni Rivera was the first to earn the prestigious award. Other notable winners from AC Milan include Ruud Gullit (1987), Marco Van Basten (1988, 1989), George Weah (1995), and Andriy Shevchenko (2004).
Bayern Munich - 5 Ballon d'Ors
One of the most celebrated German football clubs, Bayern Munich proudly holds the record for the highest number of Ballon d'Or winners among Bundesliga teams. Their five prestigious awards come from the talents of three iconic players: Gerd Muller (1970), Franz Beckenbauer (1972), and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980, 1981).
Manchester United - 4 Ballon d'Ors
Manchester United has a rich history of exceptional strikers. The first to receive this prestigious award for the club was striker Denis Law in 1964, followed by Bobby Charlton in 1966, whose outstanding performance was pivotal in helping England secure the FIFA World Cup that year.
In 1968, George Best added to this legacy by winning the award, and more recently, Cristiano Ronaldo achieved this honour for the Red Devils in 2007. This lineage of talent highlights the significant impact these players have had on the club's storied history.