In the history of football these certain players have won this prestigious award which made them stand out from the rest, as they have won the Champions League, World Cup and also the Ballon d’Or.
In the realm of professional football, the Ballon d’Or stands tall as the pinnacle of individual achievement, bestowed upon the finest player globally for a single year.
Yet, beyond claiming the Ballon d’Or, the grandest accolades in football remain the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League trophies. Securing winner’s medals in these competitions alongside the Ballon d’Or is an extraordinary rarity, even for the game’s most iconic figures.
Surprisingly, towering legends like Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diego Maradona, often hailed as the greatest in the sport’s history, haven’t accomplished this extraordinary trifecta. Their unparalleled brilliance didn’t intersect to claim all three crowns.
Mastering international and club football success alongside individual prowess forms a trifecta few attain. However, a select few have etched their names into this exclusive echelon. Here’s a compilation of those who have triumphed in the World Cup, Champions League, and claimed the coveted Ballon d’Or.
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Paolo Rossi
Italian football icon Paolo Rossi, one of the game’s greats, left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy spans winning three awards in a single FIFA World Cup edition, a feat only achieved by two others. Claiming the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in 1982, Rossi’s prowess extended beyond his triumphs to leading the Azzuri to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, earning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. Remarkably, all his goals came in the knockout rounds. His achievements continued with a UEFA Champions League win with Juventus in 1985, capping off a stellar career that included notable spells at AC Milan and Hellas Verona. Sadly, Rossi passed away in 2020 following a battle with lung cancer.
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Rivaldo
Rivaldo, part of the formidable R3 trio, left an indelible mark on football, particularly during the 2002 World Cup. This legendary forward secured victory in the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and added a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2003, complementing his earlier Ballon d’Or win in 1999.
Known for his elegance and exceptional talent, Rivaldo stood out among his peers. Despite his tall and slender physique, he moved gracefully across the pitch, showcasing a lethal left foot that made him a force to be reckoned with.
His legacy was built at FC Barcelona, where he secured La Liga victories in his initial two seasons, 1997-98 and 1998-99, earning him the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1999. His prowess continued on the grand stage, notably at the World Cup in Korea/Japan, where he scored in five out of seven matches, contributing significantly to Brazil’s championship triumph.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Rivaldo claimed the UEFA Champions League during his brief tenure at AC Milan in 2003. His professional journey extended well into his 40s, demonstrating his enduring talent. Rivaldo ultimately retired in 2015, concluding his career after a stint with Mogi Mirim in Brazil.
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Kaka
Kaka, revered as the last player to break the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d’Or dominance, enjoyed a stellar career marked by World Cup and UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Renowned as one of football’s last pure attacking midfielders, the Brazilian maestro mesmerized audiences with his effortless ball control, effortlessly maneuvering past opposition players.
A mere 20 years old, Kaka contributed to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, a testament to his early brilliance. His time at AC Milan saw him clinch the UEFA Champions League in 2007, coinciding with his Ballon d’Or win that same year.
Blessed with exceptional technical prowess and visionary play, Kaka’s mastery between midfield and attack solidified his status as a formidable force on the pitch. His illustrious career spanned until 2017, culminating with a stint at Orlando City in the MLS before retiring from professional football.
- Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane’s name is synonymous with greatness in midfield, and any compilation of the finest midfielders without his inclusion is undoubtedly incomplete. His illustrious career saw him clinch the FIFA World Cup in 1998, the Ballon d’Or that same year, and the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2002.
Zidane’s impact on the game extends beyond the 21st century, positioning him among the all-time legends of football. His pivotal role in securing France’s maiden FIFA World Cup victory in 1998, highlighted by his two crucial goals in the final, cemented his iconic status. Adding to his accolades, his remarkable contributions at Juventus earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Notably, his memorable goal in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen further solidified his place in football history.
Becoming a Galactico at Real Madrid, Zidane shattered transfer records with his move from Juventus, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s legacy. Retiring from professional football in 2006, he seamlessly transitioned to a successful managerial career after an extraordinary playing tenure.
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Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho revolutionized football in the early 21st century, imprinting his legacy as a Brazilian maestro. His magnetic presence on the field, coupled with an infectious smile, transformed him into an entertainer par excellence. With triumphs in the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or, he solidified his status as a football virtuoso.
Gifted with unparalleled technical finesse, Ronaldinho stands among the most skillful players ever to grace the sport. While not primarily known for his goal-scoring prowess, his mere presence disrupted opponents’ strategies, causing chaos on the pitch.
A key component of Brazil’s formidable R3 trident, he contributed significantly to their 2002 World Cup victory in Korea/Japan. His exceptional performances at FC Barcelona earned him the 2005 Ballon d’Or, followed by instrumental contributions to the team’s Champions League conquest the subsequent year.
Ronaldinho’s career was a tapestry of triumphs, securing his place among the greatest of all time. After bidding farewell to professional football in 2018, his last game occurring three years earlier with Fluminense, he left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
- Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi claimed Champions League victories in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015. In the recent 2022 World Cup final, the Argentine scored two goals alongside a crucial penalty in the shootout, leading his national team to victory over France in Qatar. The former Barcelona star secured a record-breaking 8th Ballon d’Or, notably after clinching the World Cup title, besting contenders Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the prestigious award.
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