The oldest Ballon d’Or winners: Lionel Messi on the second place

Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in his career on Monday and, at 36, became the second-oldest player to win the award. Who are among the 10 oldest players to win the trophy?

10. Pavel Nedved – 31 years old – 2003

Let’s start with the Czech track. In 2003, Pavel Nedved won football’s most prestigious individual award. At the age of 31, he helped Juventus to the Serie A title and the Champions League final.

Although many fans at the time were surprised that Thierry Henry did not win the award, Pavel Nedved was the rightful winner.

9. Josef Masopust – 31 years old – 1962

The second Czech Golden Ball can also be found in the category of the ten oldest players. Josef Masopust will always be one of the best footballers in Czech history, which he confirmed by winning this award.

Masopust opened the scoring against Brazil in the 1962 World Cup final and although the Czechs lost 1:3, the legendary footballer earned the award for the best player in the world.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo – 32 years old – 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo’s fifth and final Ballon d’Or of his career. In 2017 he was unstoppable, Real Madrid shot the trophy in La Liga and the Champions League, Los Blancos were the first team in history to defend the Champions League in addition, and the Portuguese was the top scorer in all competitions.

7. Fabio Cannavaro – 33 years old – 2006

The last defender so far to win the award for the best player in the world. Fabio Cannavaro captained Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup, becoming the seventh oldest player to win the award at the age of 33.

6. Luka Modric – 33 – 2018

Chosen one. The one who broke the reign of Messi and Ronaldo. From 2008 to 2017, only the Portuguese-Argentine duo dominated this trophy, until 2018 came the first hit when 33-year-old Luka Modric took Croatia to the World Cup final and contributed to Real’s hat-trick in the Champions League.

5. Alfredo di Stefano – 33 years old – 1959

One of the best players in Real Madrid’s history was one of the first Los Blancos players to receive this award. After his arrival from Argentina, he completely changed the order of Spanish football where Barcelona had the upper hand and created the dominance of Real Madrid. He won the Ballon d’Or twice.

4. Lev Yashin – 34 years old – 1963

One of the most legendary goalkeepers in history. A man who was virtually impossible to score against. In football, goals and assists are always much more valued, which is why Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or so far.

3. Karim Benzema – 34 years old – 2022

The 2021/22 season was the season of Benzema’s life. He went on to win La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup for Real Madrid and at 34 years old he netted 44 goals and added 15 assists. At the same time, he won the Ballon d’Or by the largest margin in history.

2. Lionel Messi – 36 years old – 2023

Lionel Messi’s current win is his eighth in his career. At 36, he also became the second oldest player to win the award.

1. Sir Stanley Matthews – 41 years old – 1956

The oldest winner of the Ballon d’Or is Sir Stanley Matthews, who dominated this prestigious award at an impressive 41 years and 10 months. The legendary Englishman was nicknamed the ‘Wizard of Dribbling’ and although many have retired at his age, Sir Matthews went on to win the Ballon d’Or.

Source: Give Me Sport