Individual awards are the ultimate benchmark of success and the crowning glory of a footballer’s career, and some all-time greats have amassed an incredible haul of these prestigious honours.
From the revered Ballon d’Or to the esteemed UEFA Best Player in Europe award, these awards symbolize excellence, dedication, and dominance on the pitch.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 footballers with the most individual awards, reliving their remarkable journeys, and celebrating their enduring legacies in the beautiful game.
Contents
- Soccer Players With The Most Individual Awards
- 1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami ) – 52
- 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting, Man Utd, Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr) – 32
- 3. Marco van Basten (Ajax, AC Milan) – 20
- 4. Ronaldo (Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians) -18
- 5. Gerd Müller (Nordlingen, Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers) -18
- 6. Eusébio (Benfica, Minutemen, Monterrey, Toronto Blizzard, New Jersey Americans) -17
- 7. Zinedine Zidane (Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid) -13
- 8. Michel Platini (Nancy, Saint-Ettienne, Juventus) -12
- 9. Alfredo Di Stéfano (River Plate, Huracan, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol) -12
- 10. Johan Cruyff (Ajax, Barcelona, LA Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante) -10
Soccer Players With The Most Individual Awards
1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami ) – 52
| Messi’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 1 | 2009 |
| UEFA Men’s Player of the Year | 2 | 2011, 2015 |
| The Best FIFA Men’s Player | 3 | 2019, 2022, 2023 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Ball | 2 | 2014, 2022 |
| FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball | 2 | 2009, 2011 |
| European Golden Shoe | 6 | 2009/2010, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 |
| La Liga Best Player | 6 | 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15 |
| Pichichi Trophy (La Liga Top Goalscorer) | 8 | 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 |
| Argentina Player of the Year | 14 | 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
Arguably the greatest player of his generation, Lionel Messi has dominated the soccer world with his extraordinary talent and relentless drive.
With an impressive total of 8 Ballon d’Or awards to his name, Messi’s list of accolades is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From FIFA World Player of the Year to UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, Messi has consistently been recognized as the pinnacle of footballing excellence.
His unmatched goal-scoring abilities, creative genius, and unparalleled vision have earned him a place among the all-time greats of the game.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting, Man Utd, Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr) – 32
| CR7’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 1 | 2008 |
| UEFA Men’s Player of the Year | 3 | 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| The Best FIFA Men’s Player | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
| The Best FIFA Special Award for Outstanding Career Achievement | 1 | 2021 |
| European Golden Shoe | 4 | 2007/08, 2010/11, 2013/14, 2014/15 |
| Portuguese Player of the Year | 4 | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Pichichi Trophy (La Liga Top Goalscorer) | 3 | 2010/11, 2013/14, 2014/15 |
| La Liga Best Player | 1 | 2013/14 |
| Premier League Player of the Season | 2 | 2006/07, 2007/08 |
| PFA Players’ Player of the Year | 2 | 2006/07, 2007/08 |
| Premier League Golden Boot | 1 | 2007/08 |
| Serie A Footballer of the Year | 2 | 2019, 2020 |
| Serie A Top Goalscorer | 1 | 2020/21 |
A perennial rival to Lionel Messi, CR7 has carved out his legacy as one of the most decorated players in soccer history.
With 5 Ballon d’Or awards and a slew of other prestigious honours, Ronaldo’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
From his early days in the Premier League to his dominant spells in La Liga and Serie A, Ronaldo has consistently delivered exceptional performances, proving his incredible athleticism and goal-scoring ability.
His unwavering dedication to his craft has cemented his status as an icon of the game.
3. Marco van Basten (Ajax, AC Milan) – 20
| Van Basten’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 3 | 1988, 1989, 1992 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 1 | 1992 |
| UEFA Best Player of the Year | 3 | 1989, 1990, 1992 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 1 | 1988/89 |
| Serie A Golden Boot | 2 | 1989/90, 1991/92 |
| Eredivisie Top Scorer | 4 | 1983/84, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87 |
| European Silver Boot | 1 | 1983/84 |
| Dutch Footballer of the Year | 1 | 1985 |
| European Golden Boot | 1 | 1985/86 |
| World Golden Boot | 1 | 1985/85 |
| UEFA Euro Top Scorer | 1 | 1988 |
| UEFA Euro Best Player | 1 | 1988 |
A graceful and lethal forward, Basten’s career was marked by a string of individual awards that underscored his exceptional abilities on the field.
With 3 Ballon d’Or awards and multiple European Golden Boots to his name, van Basten’s knack for finding the back of the net was second to none.
The Dutch international technical skills, combined with his aerial prowess and instinctive goal-scoring ability, made him a true force to be reckoned with during his playing days.
4. Ronaldo (Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians) -18
| Ronaldo’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 2 | 1997, 2002 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 3 | 1996, 1997, 2002 |
| UEFA Club Footballer of the Year | 1 | 1997/98 |
| European Golden Shoe | 1 | 1996/97 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Ball | 1 | 1998 |
| FIFA World Cup Silver Ball | 1 | 2002 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Shoe | 1 | 2002 |
| FIFA World Cup Bronze Boot | 1 | 2006 |
| Pichichi Trophy (La Liga Top Goalscorer) | 2 | 1996/97, 2003/04 |
| Supercopa Libertadores Top Scorer | 1 | 1993/94 |
| Campeonato Mineiro Top Scorer | 1 | 1993/94 |
| Eredivisie Top Goalscorer | 1 | 1994/94 |
| Copa America Most Valuable Player | 1 | 1997 |
| Serie A Footballer of the Year | 1 | 1998 |
Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, Ronaldo de Lima’s list of individual awards is a piece of evidence to his extraordinary talent.
With 2 Ballon d’Or awards and 3 FIFA World Player of the Year titles, Ronaldo’s blend of speed, skill, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.
Whether leading the line for his club teams or dazzling on the international stage with Brazil, Ronaldo’s impact on the game is still felt to this day.
5. Gerd Müller (Nordlingen, Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers) -18
| Muller’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 1 | 1970 |
| German Footballer of the Year | 2 | 1967, 1969 |
| Bundesliga Top Scorer | 7 | 1967, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1978 |
| European Golden Shoe | 2 | 1969/70, 1971/72 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Boot | 1 | 1970 |
| UEFA European Championship Top Scorer | 1 | 1972 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 4 | 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977 |
Nicknamed the “Bomber,” Gerd Müller’s unparalleled goal-scoring exploits earned him a place among the greatest strikers in soccer history.
With a Ballon d’Or award and multiple Bundesliga Top Scorer titles to his name, Müller’s predatory instincts and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defenders.
The German remarkable ability to find space in the box and convert chances with ruthless efficiency cemented his status as a true goal-scoring phenomenon.
Aston Villa’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time | 2023
6. Eusébio (Benfica, Minutemen, Monterrey, Toronto Blizzard, New Jersey Americans) -17
| Eusebio’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 1 | 1965 |
| European Golden Shoe | 2 | 1968, 1973 |
| Bola de Prata (Portuguese League Top Scorer) | 7 | 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1973 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 3 | 1965, 1966, 1968 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Boot | 1 | 1966 |
| FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball | 1 | 1966 |
| Portuguese Footballer of the Year | 2 | 1970, 1973 |
A prolific goal scorer with a lethal left foot, Eusébio’s remarkable career saw him capture the hearts of fans around the world with his electrifying performances.
With a Ballon d’Or award and multiple European Golden Shoes, Eusébio’s ability to find the back of the net with unerring accuracy made him one of the most feared strikers of his generation.
His impact on the game transcended borders, as he inspired a generation of players with his skill, passion, and determination.
7. Zinedine Zidane (Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid) -13
| Zidane’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 1 | 1998 |
| FIFA World Player of the Year | 3 | 1998, 2000, 2003 |
| UEFA Club Footballer of the Year | 1 | 2002 |
| French Division 1 Player of the Year | 1 | 1995/96 |
| French Player of the Year | 2 | 1998, 2002 |
| UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament | 1 | 2000 |
| Serie A Footballer of the Year | 1 | 2000/01 |
| Serie A Top Assist Provider | 1 | 2000/01 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Ball | 1 | 2006 |
| UEFA Champions League Best Player of the Past 20 Years | 1 | 2011 |
A master of the midfield, Zinedine Zidane’s elegance and grace on the ball set him apart as one of the greatest players of his generation.
With a Ballon d’Or award and multiple FIFA World Player of the Year titles to his name, Zidane’s ability to control the tempo of a game and deliver moments of brilliance made him a true artist on the field.
From his unforgettable performances in the World Cup to his success with club teams like Juventus and Real Madrid, Zidane’s legacy as a player and coach is firmly etched in soccer folklore.
8. Michel Platini (Nancy, Saint-Ettienne, Juventus) -12
| Platini’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 3 | 1983, 1984, 1985 |
| World Soccer Player of the Year | 2 | 1984, 1985 |
| UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament | 1 | 1984 |
| UEFA Euro Top Goalscorer | 1 | 1984 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 1 | 1984/85 |
| Serie A Top Scorer | 3 | 1982/83, 1983/84, 1984/84 |
| French Player of the Century | 1 | 1999 |
A midfield maestro known for his exquisite technique and clinical precision, Platini’s trophy cabinet is adorned with multiple Ballon d’Or awards and other prestigious accolades.
As the orchestrator of the famed French national team of the 1980s, Platini’s creative genius and goal-scoring prowess propelled him to the pinnacle of the sport.
The Frenchman’s impact on the game both on and off the field has left an indelible mark on soccer history.
9. Alfredo Di Stéfano (River Plate, Huracan, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol) -12
| Di Stefano’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 2 | 1957, 1959 |
| Super Ballon d’Or | 1 | 1989 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 2 | 1958, 1962 |
| Spanish Player of the Year | 4 | 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964 |
| Argentine Primera Division Top Scorer | 1 | 1947 |
| Colombian League Top Scorer | 2 | 1951, 1952 |
A true icon of the game, Alfredo Di Stéfano’s remarkable career was punctuated by a host of awards, including 3 Ballon d’Or awards and numerous league titles.
As the driving force behind Real Madrid’s dominance in the 1950s and 1960s, Di Stéfano’s versatility, intelligence, and leadership made him one of the most complete players of his era.
His influence on the modern game is immeasurable, as he set the standard for excellence both on and off the pitch.
10. Johan Cruyff (Ajax, Barcelona, LA Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante) -10
| Cruyff’s Individual Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Award | Number | Years Won |
| Ballon d’Or | 3 | 1971, 1973, 1974 |
| Eredivisie Top Scorer | 2 | 1966/67, 1971/72 |
| European Cup Top Scorer | 1 | 1971/72 |
| FIFA World Cup Golden Ball | 1 | 1974 |
| Dutch Footballer of the Year | 3 | 1968, 1972, 1984 |
A visionary playmaker ahead of his time, Cruyff’s influence on the game of soccer extends far beyond his individual awards.
With 3 Ballon d’Or awards and numerous other honours, Cruyff’s elegant style of play and tactical intelligence revolutionized the sport.
From his iconic performances with Ajax and Barcelona to his role as a pioneering coach, Cruyff’s legacy continues to shape the way the game is played and understood today.
All Time Greatest: Top 10 Left-backs In Soccer
You Might Also Want To Read This
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
