By: Sandipan Ghosh Image credit: X
Ballon d'Or is a famous individual yearly award for the best-performed soccer players. France Football magazine has presented this award since 1956, and many legendary players have won this award.
However, some deserving legendary soccer players are unlucky to closely miss out on winning the Ballon d'Or award in their career.
Ferenc Puskas Hungarian Ferenc Puskas scored 84 goals in 85 matches. The Olympics 1952 goal medalist and FIFA World Cup 1954 runners-up finished as the third-best player at the Ballon d'Or 1960.
Paolo Maldini Paolo Maldini was a legendary defender for Italy and AC Milan. One of the highly successful soccer players, Maldini, finished in third place twice in the Ballon d'Or in 1994 and 2003.
Neymar Jr. The all-time leading goal-scorer for Brazil, Neymar Jr, is one of the greatest forwards. Despite his consistent successes, Neymar only managed Ballon d'Or third place twice in 2015 and 2017.
Thierry Henry French Thierry Henry was one of the legendary forwards in the game. The FIFA World Cup 1998 winner and 2006 runner-up finished Ballon d'Or runner-up in 2003 and third place in 2006.
Andres Iniesta Talking about Spain and Barcelona's success in the 21st century, midfielder Andres Iniesta had exceptional roles. He was the Ballon d'Or runners-up in 2010 and third-best in 2012.
As the Ballon d'Or opened for non-European soccer players only in 1995, Brazilian legend Pele and Argentine legend Diego Maradona couldn't challenge for this award.
Even Kylian Mbappe Admits Defeat Against Lionel Messi in the 2023 Ballon d’Or Race