Each year, the Ballon d'Or is awarded to the player voted as the world's best. In theory, it celebrates the game’s top performer, but history shows it hasn’t always gone to the most deserving.

This year, controversy brewed when Rodri took the award over Vinicius Jr., sparking Real Madrid’s protest as the entire team boycotted the event. Now decided by a jury of journalists, the Ballon d'Or will hopefully be awarded more fairly.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon

Country: Italy
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (2006)

Gianluigi Buffon stands as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. A true stalwart of Juventus and the Italian national team, Buffon was known for his unmatched reflexes, leadership, and resilience. His 2006 World Cup performance was iconic, keeping five clean sheets and making a stunning save in the final against Zinedine Zidane’s powerful header.

Buffon’s longevity has also been extraordinary—he was still playing at a high level into his 40s, showcasing his dedication to the game. Many consider him to be the second goalkeeper after Lev Yashin who truly deserved the Ballon d'Or.

Right-Back: Cafu

Country: Brazil
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 14th (2002)

Cafu, a legend of Brazilian football, is the only player to have appeared in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning two (1994 and 2002). Known for his tireless energy, overlapping runs, and defensive strength, Cafu set the standard for modern full-backs.

With his intelligence and physical ability, he could shut down the best attackers while contributing in the final third, a rare skill set in his era. Cafu was a vital part of both AC Milan and AS Roma’s successes in Italy, yet was consistently overshadowed in Ballon d'Or rankings, largely due to the attacking stars in his era.

Center-Back: Paolo Maldini

Country: Italy
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 3rd (1994, 2003)

Paolo Maldini is synonymous with world-class defending. Over a career spanning more than 20 years with AC Milan, Maldini won five Champions League titles and seven Serie A titles. He was renowned for his anticipation, timing, and virtually flawless tackling, which allowed him to seamlessly transition between left-back and center-back.

Maldini’s composure and football IQ were second to none, and his professionalism made him a role model both on and off the pitch. His third-place finishes in 1994 and 2003 are widely seen as insufficient recognition for a player of his caliber.

Center-Back: Franco Baresi

Country: Italy
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (1989)

Another AC Milan and Italian national team legend, Franco Baresi was a tactical genius whose leadership on the field was undeniable. Known for his exceptional positioning, Baresi was one of the earliest defenders who used his mind more than his physicality to outsmart opponents.

His partnership with Maldini at Milan anchored one of the greatest defenses in football history. Baresi’s contributions led AC Milan to a remarkable three European Cup victories and six Serie A titles, though he was continually overlooked for the Ballon d'Or, finishing second only in 1989.

Left-Back: Roberto Carlos

Country: Brazil
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (2002)

Famous for his booming free kicks, speed, and tireless runs down the left flank, Roberto Carlos was an offensive force from the left-back position. His ability to score from seemingly impossible angles made him a constant threat, while his defending, though sometimes overshadowed by his attacking prowess, was rock solid.

A vital part of Real Madrid’s Galácticos era, he helped them secure multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. His second-place Ballon d'Or finish in 2002 is a testament to his impact, though many fans argue that he deserved the award.

Midfielder: Xavi Hernandez

Country: Spain
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 3rd (2009, 2010, 2011)

Xavi was the ultimate playmaker, orchestrating Barcelona’s tiki-taka system with metronomic precision. His passing, positioning, and vision allowed him to control the game’s tempo, often turning seemingly simple plays into dangerous attacks.

During his time at Barcelona, he won eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and was the heartbeat of Spain’s golden generation that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. Despite finishing third three years in a row, Xavi was always overshadowed by Messi, though his influence on modern football remains undeniable.

Midfielder: Andres Iniesta

Country: Spain
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (2010)

Iniesta brought an attacking edge to Barcelona and Spain’s midfield. Known for his dribbling, composure, and creativity, he had a gift for finding space in the tightest areas. His crowning achievement came in 2010, when he scored the World Cup-winning goal for Spain.

That year, he finished second in Ballon d'Or voting, a result that many felt didn’t fully reflect his contribution to the game. Like Xavi, Iniesta played a massive role in shaping Barcelona’s golden era and his performances in major finals became the stuff of legend.

Midfielder: Michael Laudrup

Country: Denmark
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: Top 10 (1991)

Michael Laudrup was a footballing artist known for his elegance on the ball, vision, and incredible dribbling skills. He led Barcelona’s “Dream Team” under Johan Cruyff to four consecutive La Liga titles and was crucial in Real Madrid’s subsequent resurgence.

Laudrup’s playmaking, technical ability, and versatility allowed him to excel in any offensive role. Despite being highly regarded by fans and peers alike, he was criminally overlooked for the Ballon d'Or, largely due to his less aggressive style and preference for assists over goals.

Right Wing: Thierry Henry

Country: France
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (2003)

Thierry Henry’s blistering pace, deft touch, and finishing ability made him Arsenal’s most potent weapon during the early 2000s. Henry scored 226 goals for Arsenal, including a 39-goal season that saw them win the Premier League without losing a game.

A key player for France as well, Henry helped his country win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. In 2003, he finished second in Ballon d'Or voting, but many believe he was robbed of the title after an incredible season with the "Invincibles."

Center-Forward: Robert Lewandowski

Country: Poland
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 2nd (2021)

Lewandowski has been a goal-scoring machine throughout his career, breaking records and racking up titles with Bayern Munich and now Barcelona. In 2020, he led Bayern to a Champions League and Bundesliga treble, scoring 55 goals in the process.

Unfortunately, the Ballon d'Or was canceled that year due to the pandemic, robbing him of what many thought was a certain win. His second-place finish in 2021 was a controversial result, with fans and analysts alike feeling he was more deserving than Lionel Messi.

Left Wing: Neymar

Country: Brazil
Best Ballon d'Or Finish: 3rd (2015, 2017)

Neymar’s flair, creativity, and technical skill make him one of the most exciting players of his generation. At Barcelona, he was part of the fearsome “MSN” trio with Messi and Suarez, helping the club to numerous La Liga and Champions League titles.

His record-breaking transfer to PSG was intended to elevate him to Ballon d'Or contention, but injuries and inconsistent team success in Europe hampered his chances. Despite twice finishing third, Neymar has yet to claim the Ballon d'Or, though his individual brilliance is undeniable.