In the kingdom of football greatness, one award reigns supreme in prestige and rarity — the Super Ballon d’Or. Only awarded once in history (to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989), this elusive honour celebrates an all-time football icon rather than just the best player of a year.
As speculation builds around a potential revival in 2029, we look at the 10 footballers whose careers, trophies, and influence make them worthy contenders for this ultimate recognition.
Top Contenders for Super Ballon d’Or 2029
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)Clubs: Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
🏆 8 Ballon d’Ors | World Cup Winner | Copa America | Over 800 goals- Football’s greatest maestro. His stats, longevity, and leadership make him the front-runner.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)Clubs: Man United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
🏆 5 Ballon d’Ors | European Champion | Over 850 career goals- A global icon known for redefining professionalism, power, and goalscoring.
- Zinedine Zidane (France)Clubs: Juventus, Real Madrid
🏆 World Cup | Euro 2000 | Champions League- The definition of grace under pressure. Influential as both player and coach.
- Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)Clubs: Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid
🏆 2 Ballon d’Ors | 2 World Cups- The “original Ronaldo” who changed attacking play forever.
- Ronaldinho (Brazil)Clubs: PSG, Barcelona, AC Milan
🏆 Ballon d’Or | World Cup Winner | UEFA Champions League- Football’s joyful genius — unmatched flair, influence, and magic.
- Paolo Maldini (Italy)Club: AC Milan (One-club legend)
🏆 5 UCL Titles | 7 Serie A Titles | Over 1,000 career games- The ultimate defender with longevity, loyalty, and leadership.
- Andrés Iniesta (Spain)Clubs: Barcelona, Vissel Kobe, Emirates Club
🏆 World Cup | 2 Euros | 4 UCL Titles- Spain’s golden generation icon who delivered when it mattered most.
- Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)Clubs: Parma, Juventus, PSG
🏆 World Cup Winner | Multiple League Titles | Over 1,100 matches- Goalkeeping greatness with unmatched consistency and class.
- Luka Modric (Croatia)Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid
🏆 Ballon d’Or | 5 UCL Titles | World Cup finalist- Underdog turned legend. Modric embodies determination and skill.
- Xavi Hernández (Spain)Clubs: Barcelona, Al-Sadd
🏆 World Cup | 2 Euros | 4 UCL Titles- The brain of tiki-taka. His vision redefined midfield play globally.
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🔟 Footballing giants battle for the rare Super Ballon d’Or. Will Messi, Ronaldo, or a dark horse claim the sport’s rarest honour in 2029?
