Super Ballon d’Or 2029
The Super Ballon d’Or is one of the rarest and most mysterious individual prizes in football history—and rumours of its possible return have sparked a fresh debate about the greatest player of the modern era.
The special trophy has only been awarded once. Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stéfano received it in 1989 after being recognised as the outstanding footballer of the previous three decades.
Forty years later, 2029 would provide France Football with the perfect opportunity to present the prize for a second time. No new edition has been officially announced, but speculation has already inspired potential rankings of the leading candidates.
If the ranking were determined primarily by the number of Ballon d’Or trophies won since the original Super Ballon d’Or presentation, Lionel Messi would be the clear favourite.
Potential Super Ballon d’Or Ranking
The graphic presents the following top 10:
| Rank | Player | Country | Ballon d’Or wins counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 5 |
| 3 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | 2 |
| 4 | Zinedine Zidane | France | 1 |
| 5 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | 1 |
| 6 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | 1 |
| 7 | Luka Modrić | Croatia | 1 |
| 8 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | 1 |
| 9 | George Weah | Liberia | 1 |
| 10 | Kaká | Brazil | 1 |
This is an unofficial and illustrative ranking. France Football has not released a shortlist, voting system or eligibility rules for a second Super Ballon d’Or.
The graphic also appears to count awards won after the 1989 presentation. That explains why only Van Basten’s 1992 victory is included, even though he won the regular Ballon d’Or three times overall—in 1988, 1989 and 1992.
Several other one-time winners from the period could also be considered, including Lothar Matthäus, Rivaldo, LuÃs Figo, Michael Owen, Andriy Shevchenko, Fabio Cannavaro, Karim Benzema and Rodri. The order of players with one award would therefore require additional criteria beyond the number of wins.
What Is the Super Ballon d’Or?
France Football introduced the Super Ballon d’Or in 1989 as a special award recognising the outstanding player of the previous 30 years.
Unlike the traditional Ballon d’Or, it was not intended to become an annual honour. It was created as an exceptional prize that considered sustained excellence across a significant period of football history.
The final result was determined through votes involving France Football readers, the magazine’s jury and previous Ballon d’Or winners.
Di Stéfano finished ahead of two other European football legends:
- Alfredo Di Stéfano
- Johan Cruyff
- Michel Platini
Interestingly, readers reportedly preferred Platini, while the France Football panel and former winners favoured Di Stéfano. The combined outcome ultimately placed the Real Madrid legend first.
Why Lionel Messi Would Be the Favourite
If the Super Ballon d’Or returns to recognise the leading player of the modern era, Messi would enter the discussion with an extraordinary record.
The Argentine has won the Ballon d’Or eight times:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
- 2019
- 2021
- 2023
No other player has won the award as often. Messi also lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, won the Copa América and enjoyed a historic club career filled with domestic and European trophies.
His goals, assists, playmaking ability and longevity have helped define an entire generation of football.
The Super Ballon d’Or would presumably reward more than statistics alone. Even under a broader evaluation covering international success, club achievements, consistency, individual influence and technical brilliance, Messi would still possess a compelling case.
Cristiano Ronaldo Remains the Leading Challenger
Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second with five Ballon d’Or victories, earned in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
His case would be built around remarkable longevity, record-breaking goalscoring and success in multiple leagues. Ronaldo won major honours in England, Spain and Italy, while also helping Portugal claim their first major international trophy at Euro 2016.
His Champions League record and performances in important knockout matches would also strengthen his candidacy.
Although Messi holds a significant advantage in Ballon d’Or wins, Ronaldo’s impact on football’s modern era makes him an unavoidable part of the Super Ballon d’Or debate. The pair spent more than a decade pushing individual standards to previously unseen levels.
Ronaldo Nazário Ranks Third
Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazário sits third in the proposed ranking after winning the Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002.
At his best, Ronaldo combined explosive acceleration, strength, skill and clinical finishing. He was the central figure in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, scoring eight goals during the tournament—including both goals in the final against Germany.
Injuries prevented Ronaldo from maintaining his peak for as long as Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but his influence on the centre-forward position remains enormous.
Zidane, Ronaldinho and the One-Time Winners
Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho lead the group of players with one Ballon d’Or in the graphic.
Zidane won the prize in 1998 after helping France claim the World Cup. His performances in major finals and his influence on some of football’s greatest teams give him a powerful historical legacy.
Ronaldinho collected the award in 2005. Although his peak was shorter than those of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, his creativity, flair and entertainment value made him one of the most recognisable footballers of his generation.
Modrić, Baggio, Weah and Kaká complete the proposed top 10, while Van Basten is represented by his post-1989 victory.
However, the ranking among these players cannot fairly be settled using Ballon d’Or totals alone because they are tied on one award. World Cup performances, Champions League success, longevity and influence on football would need to act as tie-breakers.
Will the Super Ballon d’Or Return in 2029?
There is currently no official confirmation that France Football will present another Super Ballon d’Or in 2029.
The rumour is largely based on the fact that 2029 will mark 40 years since Di Stéfano received the original trophy. The award does not operate on a fixed 40-year schedule, and France Football has not announced a ceremony, shortlist or voting process.
That does not mean a future presentation is impossible. The Messi-Ronaldo era has provided a natural reason to revive an award designed to celebrate excellence across several decades.
If France Football decides to bring the prize back, it would immediately become one of the most discussed events in world football.
Who Deserves the Next Super Ballon d’Or?
Messi would be the logical favourite if the decision were based on Ballon d’Or victories and achievements since 1989. His record eight awards, World Cup success and sustained influence give him an unmatched profile.
Cristiano Ronaldo would remain his strongest rival, while Ronaldo Nazário, Zidane and Ronaldinho would provide alternative candidates representing different forms of footballing greatness.
For now, every ranking remains hypothetical. Until France Football confirms a new edition and publishes the official selection criteria, the Super Ballon d’Or 2029 remains an exciting football rumour rather than a scheduled award.
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