Only 14 different players have made the final three of the Ballon D’Or over the last ten years…
Before the Ballon d’Or became dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the top three candidates were a lot harder to call. There have been 14 outstanding choices who have been a finalist for the award over the last decade, and we have ranked the list below.
SEE MORE:
LFC news
Ballon d’Or Winners: Every Victor From 1956, With Liverpool & Man United Legends
Why Manuel Neuer Should Win The Ballon d’Or Ahead Of Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi
Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United players have all made the list, with the team in brackets representing who each player was playing for at the time of their nomination.
14) Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Came second in 2005 after leading Chelsea to the Premier League title and the FA Cup under Jose Mourinho. His goals from midfielder were of a huge importance to the Blues, and remained so until his departure last summer.
13) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Also a finalist in 2005, actually finishing in third behind Lampard. The vote was close between the pair at the time, and we’ve edged Gerrard in front after his Champions League heroics in Istanbul saw him lift the trophy against AC Milan.
12) Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
The 2005 winner, the Brazilian delighted football fans across the world with his Samba skills, no more so than in Barcelona, where he became an iconic figure. Despite the performances of the English duo, he was the clear winner.
11) Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
The only defender in this list, Cannavaro won the award in 2006, after leading Italy to their World Cup triumph in Germany. His fine performances led his unfancied team all the way to the final, where they beat France on penalties.
10) Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Another of Italy’s stars in 2006, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon came second to Cannavaro in the vote, but has solidified his legacy in the proceeding years, establishing himself as one of the finest stoppers of all time.
9) Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
Came third in 2013, after inspiring Bayern Munich to the Champions League title. Despite his success, which was also matched on a domestic scale as the club completed the treble, he missed out to Ronaldo and Messi.
8) Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Also came third behind Ronaldo and Messi, back in his glory days at Liverpool. His success came in 2008, and while his goals proved in vein for Rafael Benitez’s side, who missed out on a trophy, he won many plaudits for his performances.
7) Kaka (AC Milan)
Claimed the award in 2007 after leading AC Milan to the Champions League. Also won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup that year, allowing him to beat out competition from Ronaldo and Messi for first place.
6) Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s pass master, and the key behind an unprecedented decade of success. Came in third in 2009, 2010 and 2011, while he also helped Spain to their maiden World Cup triumph in that time.
5) Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
Arguably the best player never to win the award, the Gunners star came second back in 2003, and then third in 2006 – narrowly missing out behind Italy’s World Cup duo. If France had won that penalty shoot-out, it could have been very different.
4) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Came third in 2012 after helping Spain to their third successive major title – Euro 2012. It was a case of recognition being due for a player who also came second after scoring the winner in the 2010 World Cup final, and like Xavi enabled Barcelona to record so much success.
3) Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
The dark horse for this year’s award, the German World Cup winner is arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time. The sweeper keeper was in inspired form this summer, while he’s also enjoyed plenty of success in Munich.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United & Real Madrid)
Ronaldo won the award for the first time in 2008, having come second to Kaka the year before. He enjoyed further success after his move to Real Madrid, coming second in 2009, 2011 and 2012 before winning again in 2013.
1) Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The four-time winner won the award every between 2009-2012, while he also ranked in the top three in 2007, 2008 and 2013. Like Ronaldo, the Argentinian is among the best players of all time, and will hope for another win tonight.
SEE ALSO: Lionel Messi career in pictures – ten years since Barcelona star’s debut!