12 Greatest Ballon d’Or-Winning Midfielders [Ranked]

When it comes to debating over the best midfielders in world football right now, both Declan Rice and Vitinha are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Both players have become integral to their sides, illustrating as much in the Champions League this week.

Rice, in typical fashion for Arsenal, helped run the show during their 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich, putting in a Man of the Match display. He was unlucky not to score on the night, but his marauding runs forward and set-piece delivery were a constant nuisance for the German side.

If anything, Vitinha was even better for Paris Saint-Germain against Tottenham. The Portuguese international got his side back on level terms twice, before he then made it a hat-trick from the penalty spot. It was his all-round play for the Parisians, though, which allowed them to pick up three points in a 5-3 victory, as he dictated possession with relative ease.

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Rice and Vitinha Both Earn Ballon d’Or Shouts

At this point, the performances from both Rice and Vitinha are nothing to be surprised about. They have played at such a high level so consistently that they constantly find themselves touted as the best midfielder right now, with many even believing that both could win the Ballon d’Or in 2026.

People within the game certainly think as much. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated that Rice can claim the prize if he maintains performances, saying: “I hope so. That [winning the Ballon d’Or] would mean that we have won a lot.

Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank made similar claims about Vitinha following his hat-trick against Spurs. The Premier League coach said: “By the way, Vitinha, best midfielder in the world, he’ll be the next Ballon d’Or winner for me.”

Should either man win the prize, then they would join an esteemed set of midfielders to win the prize. Just 12 engine room operators have ever been named the best player in the world — but how do they all compare to one another? Taking into account what they achieved in their careers, GiveMeSport have ranked each player.

Every Midfielder to Win the Ballon d’Or Ranked — 12-7

At the foot of the list is former Czech star Josef Masopust, who picked up the award in 1962 after helping Czechoslovakia reach the final of the World Cup that year, where they lost to Brazil. Also named European Footballer of the Year after the tournament, he was an eight-time winner of his home country’s league title, but failed to really test himself elsewhere like others on this list.

Matthias Sammer was crowned the winner in 1996 after Germany emerged victorious at the European Championships, but the sweeper’s achievement raised a few eyebrows considering that he finished above the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Alan Shearer and Alessandro Del Piero. Just ahead of him is Gianni Rivera, widely considered to be one of the best Italian players of all time. Helping AC Milan win three Scudettos over 19 years, he was also a part of the Azzurri side which won their first European Championship in 1968, before he later dragged them to the final of the 1970 World Cup final.

Current Manchester City ace Rodri has enjoyed a fantastic career so far, lifting the Champions League Premier League at club level while starring for Spain in their Euro 2024 triumph. But he has struggled with injuries since then, meaning he hasn’t added to his resume — with those above him having impressive CVs of their own.

Former Barcelona and Inter Milan conductor, Luis Suarez, had been Spain’s only male to win the Ballon d’Or prior to Rodri’s success, claiming the individual honour in 1960. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan playmaker shone for club and country, lifting two La Liga titles, three Serie A trophies and the 1964 European Championship. He trails just behind Netherlands icon Ruud Gullit, who showcased his talents for multiple top sides across Europe, including Feyenoord PSV, AC Milan and Chelsea. His efforts in Holland and then in Italy saw him crowned best player in the world in 1987, with the utility man finishing as a runner-up in 1988 too.

Every Midfielder to Win the Ballon d’Or Ranked — 6-1

Lothar Matthaus was an exceptional talent, dominating games for Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. The six-time Bundesliga champion was equally influential for the national side, winning Euro 1980 before then propelling Die Mannschaft to the final of Italia ’90, where they beat Argentina to claim the World Cup. What holds him back is France football’s re-evaluation of the award, as they stated Diego Maradona would have won it had he been eligible.

Roberto Baggio might be remembered as ‘The Man Who Died Standing’ for his penalty miss at the 1994 World Cup, but his exploits that year were still enough for him to claim the Ballon d’Or. A two-time Serie A champion, only three people have scored more goals for Italy than the former Juventus and AC Milan star. Just ahead of him in fourth place is Brazilian magician Rivaldo, whose efforts for the Selecao are sometimes overshadowed by the legendary Ronaldo. Nevertheless, he enjoyed a remarkable five-year spell at Barcelona, while also lifting the World Cup in 2002 and Copa America in 1999, where he was also named player of the tournament.

Breaking up a decade of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominance is some achievement, and while some might question whether Luka Modric deserved the award, nobody can question his calibre. The Croatian pulled the strings for a Real Madrid side that was arguably one of the best ever and his resume, which includes six Champions League titles, is undoubtedly enough for him to be ranked in the top three here.

Having won three Ballon d’Or awards in as many years, Michel Platini certainly has a claim to be the best midfielder to ever win the individual honour. Between 1983 and 1985, nobody could dislodge his place at the pinnacle of football, as the French international helped Les Bleus win Euro 1984, while Juventus won the Champions League the following year.

However, very few players in the sport’s history ever showed the same level of skill exhibited by the legendary Zinedine Zidane. Regarded as one of the game’s greatest players ever, let alone midfielders, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star was a cut above most teammates and opponents he shared the pitch with. While it’s not the trophies that make Zidane such an impressive player, the magician still retired as a World Cup and Champions League winner, with his 1998 Ballon d’Or win making him a part of a very exclusive club of just 10 players to win all three prizes.