Every Real Madrid Player to Win the Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid have been home to some of the greatest soccer players in history, and their success on the pitch has been matched by individual brilliance.
From Alfredo Di Stéfano’s dominance in the 1950s to the Galácticos era and Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking exploits, Los Blancos have consistently attracted the game’s biggest stars. That legacy extends to the Ballon d’Or, with Real Madrid tied with Barcelona for the most wins by a club in the award’s history.
First presented in 1956, the prestigious honor recognizes the world’s best player, and eight players have claimed it while representing Real Madrid.
Here’s a look at each winner in chronological order.
Every Real Madrid Player to Win the Ballon d’Or
1. Alfredo Di Stéfano
Ballon d'Or Winner: 1957, 1959
Alfredo Di Stéfano was the first Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d’Or, claiming the award in 1957 and again in 1959.
The driving force behind Madrid’s legendary team that won the first five European Cups, Di Stéfano is widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards of all time.
His second triumph came at age 33, making him one of the oldest winners in the award’s history.
2. Raymond Kopa
Ballon d'Or Winner: 1958
In between Di Stéfano’s two victories, Raymond Kopa claimed a Ballon d’Or of his own in 1958.
He earned the award after helping Madrid win the La Liga and European Cup double, while also starring for France at the 1958 World Cup, where they finished third.
Today, the Kopa Trophy, presented to the world’s best player under 21 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, honors his legacy.
3. Luis Figo
Ballon d'Or Winner: 2000
After Di Stéfano and Kopa, Real Madrid had to wait until the new millennium for another Ballon d’Or winner.
Luis Figo ended that drought in 2000, claiming the award during his first season following his controversial move from Barcelona.
4. Ronaldo
Ballon d'Or Winner: 1997 (with Inter Milan), 2000
Ronaldo remains the youngest player to win the Ballon d’Or, claiming the prize in 1997 at just 21 while representing Inter Milan.
His second victory came in 2002, shortly after joining Real Madrid and finishing as the top scorer at the World Cup, where Brazil lifted the trophy.
5. Fabio Cannavaro
Ballon d'Or Winner: 2006
Fabio Cannavaro is one of only three defenders to win the Ballon d’Or, joining Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.
He claimed the award in 2006 after captaining Italy to World Cup glory in Germany.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ballon d'Or Winner: 2008 (with Manchester United), 2013, 2014. 2016, 2017)
Cristiano Ronaldo accounts for four of Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or victories, having won the award in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 while representing Los Blancos.
Three of those triumphs followed Champions League-winning campaigns, underlining his influence during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The Portuguese superstar scored goals at a remarkable rate in Madrid, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer and helping deliver four Champions League titles in five seasons.
7. Luka Modrić
Ballon d'Or Winner: 2018
Luka Modrić made history in 2018 by ending the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Ballon d’Or race.
The Croatian midfielder was instrumental in Real Madrid’s third consecutive Champions League triumph before leading his country to the World Cup final.
8. Karim Benzema
Ballon d'Or Winner: 2022
Karim Benzema is the most recent Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d’Or, claiming the award in 2022 after helping Los Blancos secure La Liga and Champions League glory.
The French striker scored 15 goals in the Champions League that season, playing a decisive role in Madrid’s 14th European Cup triumph.
After years of supporting Ronaldo, Benzema emerged as Madrid’s central attacking figure, capping his career with one of the finest individual seasons in the club’s history.
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