The Ballon d’Or still retains its prestigious status in the world of football. Although players usually have their minds set on the big trophies at a collective level, the award given by France Football means an important recognition for any footballer.
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Brazil was well represented in this ceremony, although its prominence has been declining in recent years. So much so that, in 2023, Vinicius Junior is the only player in the country to be among the 30 nominees.
The previous year, the Real Madrid star had been under consideration along with two other compatriots (Casemiro and Fabinho). Plus, it’s been a while since a Brazilian last won the award.
16 years since the last Brazilian Ballon d’Or
To find the last Brazilian to be named the best player in the world, we must go back to 2007. In that edition, Kaká beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after a fantastic year with Milan.
Ballon d’Or Kaká 🌠#UCL pic.twitter.com/uNp5oWizZA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 23, 2022
Since then, Brazil has not had a winner again. The closest was Neymar, who finished third in 2015 and 2017, although on both occasions he was far from the Argentine star and the Portuguese star. The former Santos player seemed to have everything to one day earn recognition, but until now he has not been able to do so.
Which Brazilian players won the Ballon d’Or?
Since eligibility criteria opened to foreign players playing for European clubs in 1995, Brazil has had four Ballon d’Or winners: Ronaldo Nazário (twice), Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaká.
- 1997: Ronaldo Nazário
- 1999: Rivaldo
- 2002: Ronaldo Nazário
- 2005: Ronaldinho
- 2007: Kaka
