Top 10 Best Footballers Who Were Reportedly 'RIGGED' From Winning the Ballon d'Or

To many around the world, the is considered the ultimate mark of individual excellence in football.

Every year, some of the most influential football stakeholders gather together to appreciate those who have had a lasting impact on the game. However, it is never immune to controversies, with many fans and pundits pointing out occassions where more deserving players were passed over.

highlights a list of 10 footballers who were arguably “robbed” of the honor.

10. Robert Lewandowski – 2020 & 2021

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic remains one of the most controversial years in football history, as it was a year opted against hosting the award.

delivered a once-in a lifetime season for Bayern Munich, leading them to a historic treble — the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles.

His astonishing tally of 55 goals in all competitions showcased his dominance as a striker. However,  after the event was canceled, many were left incensed, despite football resuming in many regions.

Lewandowski didn’t stop there. In 2021, he broke Gerd Müller’s long-standing record by scoring 41 goals in a single Bundesliga season. While won the award for his Copa América success, many felt Lewandowski’s consistency over two seasons made him more deserving. 

The sentiment was so widespread that Messi himself admitted Lewandowski should have won in 2020. These back-to-back disappointments cemented his name in Ballon d’Or controversy discussions.

9. Wesley Sneijder -2010

If there is ever an argument for a “team player” deserving the Ballon d’Or, s 2010 campaign serves as the benchmark. 

Under the tactical genius of , Sneijder played a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s historic treble win, securing the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League titles.

 He also led the Netherlands to the World Cup final, scoring five goals and providing critical assists during the tournament.

Despite his heroics, went on to win his second of eight titles, despite not reaching similar heights with both Barcelona and Argentina that year.

8. Thierry Henry – 2003

Considered one of the Premier League’s greatest players, enjoyed an incredible 2002-2003 season with Arsenal. 

Not only did he score 32 goals across all competitions, but he also registered an astonishing 23 assists, showcasing his all-round ability as a forward. 

Despite his brilliance, the award went to whose Juventus side won Serie A that year. Many feel Henry’s individual exploits deserved greater recognition.

7. Xavi Hernandez & Andres Iniesta – 2010-2012

Barcelona’s dominance during this era was built on the midfield brilliance of and

Together, they orchestrated one of the greatest club sides in history and were equally pivotal in Spain’s World Cup (2010) and European Championship (2008, 2012) triumphs. However, the Messi-Ronaldo era overshadowed their contributions. 

Iniesta’s winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final remains an iconic moment, yet he and Xavi were continually overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi getting all the attention during that period.

6. Franck Ribéry – 2013

In 2013, shone as completed a treble-winning campaign. His creativity and consistency made him one of Europe’s most feared wingers.

However,edged out Ribéry for the Ballon d’Or, largely due to Ronaldo’s extraordinary goal-scoring exploits especially towards the back end of that year. The decision sparked debates about whether individual brilliance should outweigh team success in the voting process.

5. Virgil van Dijk – 2019

’s performances during Liverpool’s 2018-2019 Champions League-winning season redefined the role of a modern defender.

Van Dijk’s composure, leadership, and ability to neutralize the world’s best attackers elevated Liverpool’s defense to one of the best in Europe, and it helped them cruise to a Champions League win in 2019.

 Despite this, Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or that year, a decision that divided the footballing world.

4. Gianluigi Buffon – 2006

Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory was a defensive masterclass, and was at the heart of it. His outstanding saves, including in the final against France, were crucial to Italy lifting the trophy.

 However, the award went to Buffon’s teammate Fabio Cannavaro. While Cannavaro was undoubtedly deserving, many argue Buffon’s contribution was equally, if not more, decisive.

3. Raúl González – 2001

Real Madrid legend was a prolific goalscorer and natural leader on the field. In 2001, he was La Liga’s top scorer and played a key role in Real Madrid’s success.

However, The Ballon d Or was won by Michael Owen, then playing for Liverpool, and it remains one of the most contentious wins to date.

2. Ferenc Puskas-1960

A footballing icon whose goals often left many amazed to the extent an award to recognise the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year was created in his name.

However, you might argue that in 1960, he should have won the golden ball, as he was instrumental in Real Madrid’s European Cup win, scoring four goals in the final. 

The award instead went to Barcelona’s Luis Suárez. This omission paved the way for later debates about recognizing players from high-performing teams.

1. Diego Maradona & Pelé

Due to the Ballon d’Or’s early restrictions to European players, footballing icons and were never eligible for the award during their playing careers. 

While both were later awarded honorary Ballon d’Or accolades, their exclusion from the official list remains a glaring omission.

Why Does This Happen?

The Ballon d’Or’s voting process involves journalists, coaches, and captains from the top 30 nations around the world, leading to a mix of biases and preferences. 

Factors such as club visibility, individual stats, team success, and timing can all impact the outcome. Additionally, the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during their era often overshadowed other deserving candidates.

The Ballon d’Or remains a cornerstone of footballing excellence, but its history of controversies reminds us of the subjective nature of awards.

 Players like Lewandowski, Sneijder, and many others are celebrated for their contributions to the game, even if the golden trophy eluded them. These stories highlight the broader truth that individual greatness often transcends formal recognition.