Since its introduction in 1956 the men’s Ballon d’Or has become one of football’s most prestigious individual honours celebrating players whose performances have stood out across a season. Over the decades several countries and legendary footballers have shaped the award’s rich history.
On the individual list Messi leads with eight Ballon d’Or trophies while Ronaldo follows with five wins. France international Ousmane Dembélé won the latest edition in 2025.
Germany the Netherlands and Portugal also rank among the leading nations in the award’s history reflecting their contributions to football across generations.
Here is a look at the countries that have recorded the most men’s Ballon d’Or victories up to 2025.
1. Argentina – 8 awards
All eight of Argentina’s Ballon d’Or victories belong to Lionel Messi who won the prestigious award in 2009 2010 2011 2012 2015 2019 2021 and 2023.
Messi made history by winning four consecutive titles between 2009 and 2012. His eighth triumph came in 2023 following Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
2. France – 8 awards
France’s eight Ballon d’Or victories have been shared by six players: Raymond Kopa Michel Platini Jean-Pierre Papin Zinedine Zidane Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé.
Platini won three consecutive titles from 1983 to 1985 while Dembélé became France’s latest winner in 2025 after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain.
3. Germany – 7 awards
Germany has won seven Ballon d’Or awards including those won by West German players before the country’s reunification.
Franz Beckenbauer claimed the honour twice in 1972 and 1976 while Karl-Heinz Rummenigge secured back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981. Gerd Mller Lothar Matthäus and Matthias Sammer complete the list of German winners.
4. Netherlands – 7 awards
The Netherlands’ seven Ballon d’Or victories owe much to Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten who each won the award three times.
Cruyff claimed the honour in 1971 1973 and 1974 while Van Basten triumphed in 1988 1989 and 1992. Ruud Gullit’s victory in 1987 completed the country’s tally.
5. Portugal – 7 awards
Portugal’s seven Ballon d’Or titles have been won by three players: Cristiano Ronaldo Eusébio and Luís Figo.
Ronaldo leads the Portuguese tally with five victories secured in 2008 2013 2014 2016 and 2017. Eusébio won the award in 1965 while Figo claimed the honour in 2000.