Winning the Ballon d’Or is the ultimate honor in football. It is awarded to the best footballer in the world every year. Achieving this prestigious award at a young age highlights not only talent but also the ability to make a significant mark on the sport early in a career.
List of 10 Youngest Players to Win the Ballon dOr -2025
Table of Contents
10. Luis Suárez – 25 years, 7 months, 10 days (1960)
Luis Suárez became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 1960 at the age of 25. The Spanish forward was famous for his precise finishing, composure under pressure, and exceptional skills on the ball. His performances for Barcelona and Spain were remarkable, earning him this top individual accolade. Suárez’s early achievements proved his potential as a world-class player.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 25 years, 7 months, 10 days |
| Club at time of win | Barcelona |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Spain |
| Key Strengths | Finishing, composure, skill |
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9. Johan Cruyff – 24 years, 8 months, 3 days (1971)
Johan Cruyff is celebrated as one of the football legends and became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 1971 at 24 years old. Playing for Ajax, Cruyff’s vision, intelligence, and technique were exceptional. He changed football forever by introducing “Total Football.” Winning the Ballon d’Or at such a young age reflected his ability to influence matches and inspire his teammates.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 24 years, 8 months, 3 days |
| Club at time of win | Ajax |
| Position | Forward/Midfielder |
| National Team | Netherlands |
| Key Strengths | Vision, technique, game control |
8. Marco van Basten – 24 years, 1 month, 27 days (1988)
Dutch striker Marco van Basten was another of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr, achieving this at 24 years old in 1988. Van Basten’s sharp finishing, intelligence, and ability to score in crucial moments made him stand out. Playing for AC Milan and the Netherlands, he was already a top scorer and played a key role in his club’s European success.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 24 years, 1 month, 27 days |
| Club at time of win | AC Milan |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Netherlands |
| Key Strengths | Finishing, positioning, intelligence |
7. Eusébio– 23 years, 11 months, 3 days (1965)
Eusébio, famously called the “Black Panther,” became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 1965 at only 23 years old. The Portuguese forward, playing for Benfica, was known for his speed, agility, and lethal finishing. Eusébio’s early recognition highlighted his ability to dominate matches and lead his team even at a young age.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 23 years, 11 months, 3 days |
| Club at time of win | Benfica |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Portugal |
| Key Strengths | Speed, finishing, agility |
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – 23 years, 9 months, 29 days (2008)
Cristiano Ronaldo became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 2008 at the age of 23. Representing Manchester United, Ronaldo displayed unmatched athleticism, skill, and consistent goal-scoring. His speed, strength, and technique quickly made him a global superstar, showing the football world his immense potential even as a young player.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 23 years, 9 months, 29 days |
| Club at time of win | Manchester United |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Portugal |
| Key Strengths | Athleticism, finishing, consistency |
5. Oleg Blokhin – 23 years, 1 month, 25 days (1975)
Oleg Blokhin of Ukraine became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 1975. The Dynamo Kyiv forward was known for his incredible speed, attacking instincts, and decisive goals for the Soviet Union. Blokhin’s early success highlighted his influence in European football and showed his immense potential as a young talent.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 23 years, 1 month, 25 days |
| Club at time of win | Dynamo Kyiv |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Soviet Union |
| Key Strengths | Speed, goal-scoring, attacking instincts |
4. George Best – 22 years, 7 months, 2 days (1968)
George Best, the legendary Manchester United winger, became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 1968 at just 22. Best was admired for his creativity, flair, and exceptional dribbling skills. His early triumph highlighted his ability to entertain fans and dominate matches, establishing him as a football icon.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 22 years, 7 months, 2 days |
| Club at time of win | Manchester United |
| Position | Winger |
| National Team | Northern Ireland |
| Key Strengths | Dribbling, creativity, flair |
3. Lionel Messi – 22 years, 5 months, 7 days (2009)
Lionel Messi won his first Ballon d’Or at 22, becoming one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 2009. Playing for Barcelona, Messi amazed the world with his dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring abilities. His outstanding season helped Barcelona win several trophies, confirming Messi as one of the most talented young players in history.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 22 years, 5 months, 7 days |
| Club at time of win | Barcelona |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Argentina |
| Key Strengths | Dribbling, vision, scoring |
2. Michael Owen– 22 years, 4 days (2001)
Michael Owen became one of the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr in 2001 at the age of 22. The Liverpool forward was known for his explosive pace, agility, and clinical finishing. Winning the award so early showcased Owen’s remarkable ability to perform consistently at the highest level of football.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 22 years, 4 days |
| Club at time of win | Liverpool |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | England |
| Key Strengths | Pace, finishing, agility |
1. Ronaldo Nazário – 21 years, 3 months, 5 days (1997)
Ronaldo Nazário is the youngest footballer ever to win the Ballon dOr. At just 21 years old in 1997, he became the top player in the world, making him the number one among the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr. The Brazilian forward played for Barcelona and dazzled the world with his speed, skill, and lethal finishing. Ronaldo’s early achievement is a testament to his extraordinary talent and early influence on world football.
| Age at Ballon d’Or win | 21 years, 3 months, 5 days |
| Club at time of win | Barcelona |
| Position | Forward |
| National Team | Brazil |
| Key Strengths | Speed, skill, goal-scoring |
These footballers are not only the youngest players to win the Ballon dOr, but they also left an everlasting mark on football history. Their skill, dedication, and early achievements continue to inspire aspiring footballers worldwide.
FAQs
1. Who is the Youngest Players to Win the Ballon dOr?
The Youngest Players to Win the Ballon dOr is Ronaldo Nazário of Brazil. He won it in 1997 at the age of 21 years, 3 months, and 5 days.
2. What makes a player eligible for the Ballon d’Or?
A player is eligible for the Ballon d’Or based on their individual performance during the year, including goals, assists, influence on games, and contributions to their club and national team.
3. How many players have won the Ballon d’Or before turning 23?
Several players have won the Ballon d’Or before turning 23. Notable names include Michael Owen, Lionel Messi, George Best, Ronaldo Nazário, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
4. Why is winning the Ballon d’Or at a young age significant?
Winning the Ballon d’Or at a young age highlights exceptional talent, maturity, and the ability to impact top-level football early in a player’s career. It often signals a future legend of the game.