Real Madrid Ballon D'Or Winners: Full List

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Real Madrid Ballon d'Or Winners: A Legacy of Legends

Real Madrid, the legendary Spanish football club, boasts a history filled with iconic players who have dominated the world of football. But there's one award that truly solidifies a player's status as a global icon: the Ballon d'Or. And Real Madrid has been fortunate to have its fair share of Ballon d'Or winners. Let's take a look at the complete list of Real Madrid legends who have claimed this prestigious award.

The Golden Era: Di Stéfano and the First Ballon d'Or

The era of Alfredo Di Stéfano is often seen as the beginning of Real Madrid's golden age. He was the first Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d'Or, achieving this feat twice in 1957 and 1959. Di Stéfano's magnificent performances, his ability to control the game, and his goalscoring prowess put him at the pinnacle of the footballing world.

The 1960s: A Trio of Champions

The 1960s saw Real Madrid continue to dominate European football. The club's legendary players, including Ferenc Puskás and Raymond Kopa, were instrumental in this success. Puskás won the Ballon d'Or in 1960, cementing his status as one of the greatest forwards of all time. Kopa, a brilliant midfielder, won the coveted award in 1958.

The Golden Ball Goes to Spain: The 1980s

After a period of relative silence, the Ballon d'Or returned to Real Madrid in the 1980s with the rise of a Spanish superstar: Emilio Butragueño. "El Buitre" as he was affectionately known, won the award in 1989. His mesmerizing dribbling skills, his elegant style, and his clinical finishing made him a fan favorite and a true symbol of Real Madrid's attacking philosophy.

The Modern Era: Ronaldo, Zidane, and Benzema

The 21st century has seen Real Madrid continue to redefine the standards of football excellence. It also saw a trio of truly legendary players win the Ballon d'Or.

• Ronaldo (2002) - The Brazilian striker, known for his speed, power, and goalscoring ability, was the first player since Di Stéfano to win the award with Real Madrid.

• Zinedine Zidane (1998 & 2003) - The French magician won the Ballon d'Or twice, once while playing for Juventus and then again while at Real Madrid. His iconic moments in the 2002 Champions League Final showcased his class and artistry.

• Karim Benzema (2022) - The French striker, known for his creative play and goalscoring instincts, became the latest Real Madrid player to win the prestigious award. He led the team to Champions League glory, displaying his exceptional ability to control the game and create chances for his teammates.

A Legacy of Champions

Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or winners represent a legacy of greatness. These players have not only left their mark on the club's history but have also redefined the standards of excellence in football. As Real Madrid continues to compete for trophies and dominate the world of football, it's likely that future generations of players will add to this illustrious list of Ballon d'Or winners.