#goldenballdream

[sportsloverguide]

Ballon d'Or Nominees: Who's Got the Golden Touch?

Ballon d'Or Nominees: Who's Got the Golden Touch?

Football's highest honor, the Ballon d'Or, isn't easy to snatch. Only 26 players have ever held the golden ball, and even getting nominated is a huge deal.

Top 10 Most Nominated Players:

Cristiano Ronaldo (18): The unstoppable machine still holds the record for most nominations despite his 2023 move to Saudi Arabia.

Lionel Messi (16): Don't be fooled by second place! Messi still boasts the most wins with a whopping 7 golden balls.

Paolo Maldini (13): This defensive rock spent two decades dominating the field, earning 13 nominations along the way.

Johan Cruyff (12): Footballing pioneer and legend, Cruyff's influence goes beyond stats, as evidenced by his 12 nominations.

Franz Beckenbauer (12): Nicknamed "Der Kaiser," Beckenbauer is a Ballon d'Or double winner and World Cup champion in both player and manager roles.

Karim Benzema (12): Finally winning the 2021 Ballon d'Or proved Benzema was more than just Ronaldo's sidekick.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11): Ibra's incredible longevity and dominance across multiple countries earned him 11 nominations.

Gianluigi Buffon (11): The GOAT goalkeeper, Buffon holds the most nominations for any shot-stopper at 11.

Neymar (9): Despite not living up to expectations as Messi and Ronaldo's successor, Neymar snagged 9 nominations.

Thierry Henry (9): Premier League's king, Henry sadly never took home the Ballon d'Or, but his 9 nominations speak volumes.