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Ballon d’Or: Players Who Could Have Won If Messi, Ronaldo Didn’t Exist

October 28, 2024

A new era has begun for the Ballon d’Or. For the first time since 2003, neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi made it onto this year’s shortlist.

Between them, they’ve clinched the prestigious award 13 times—Messi holding eight of those, including a streak of four consecutive wins from 2009 to 2012.

Although it appeared this era might have started earlier, with Messi missing the shortlist in 2021 and Ronaldo ranking 20th, the Argentine legend made a dramatic return last year, winning his eighth Ballon d’Or following Argentina’s World Cup triumph.

Beyond a few exceptions—like the surprising win of 2018 and the hopeful anticipation of 2022—many other star players have had their chances thwarted by the unmatched brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo. And that’s not even counting 2020 when the award was cancelled.

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Here’s a look back at some players who might have claimed the Ballon d’Or in a world without the shadow of these two football giants.

This list celebrates those whose extraordinary performances would have earned them football’s top individual honour, if not for the brilliance of Messi and Ronaldo.

Club & Country: Liverpool, Spain
Position: Striker
Goals in 2008: 26
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Torres shone in the 2007-08 season, leading Liverpool and scoring the decisive goal that gave Spain victory at Euro 2008. Despite his 33 goals for club and country, he finished behind Ronaldo and Messi in the Ballon d’Or vote, unable to overcome the dominance of the duo.

Xavi (2009, 2011)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Centre Midfield
Goals in 2009: 7
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Messi took his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 after Barcelona’s treble-winning season, finishing well ahead of Ronaldo. Xavi, with his influential role in Barcelona’s midfield, finished third, contributing significantly to Messi’s success with assists and tactical play.

Goals in 2011: 12
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Xavi found himself third once more, following Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League wins. Despite his key contributions, Messi’s staggering 73 goals that season meant the Ballon d’Or went to the Argentine again.

Andres Iniesta (2010, 2012)

Club & Country: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Centre Midfield
Goals in 2010: 11
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 2nd

Iniesta’s vital role in Spain’s World Cup victory in South Africa, including scoring the final’s winning goal, earned him second place. But it wasn’t enough to surpass Messi, who clinched his second consecutive award.

Goals in 2012: 8
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

Iniesta played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2012 win and helped Barcelona dominate domestically. Yet, Messi’s record-breaking 91 goals in a calendar year secured his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, leaving Iniesta in third place.

Franck Ribery (2013)

Club & Country: Bayern Munich, France
Position: Winger
Goals in 2013: 23
Ballon d’Or Ranking: 3rd

After guiding Bayern Munich to a historic treble, Ribery seemed a strong contender. However, Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup qualification performances helped him secure the award, leaving Ribery in third.

Manuel Neuer (2014)