If you’re a Cluer like me, you’ve probably wondered which FC Barcelona players have won the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suárez (And no buddy, he’s not the El Pistolero from Uruguay), he’s the first guy to grab it in 1960, all the way up to Lionel Messi’s last win in 2019.
Okay, enough nonsense, and let us dive right in with a table or a listicle of every Barça player who’s won the French award, as well as chatting about what makes these players so special.
FC BARCELONA BALLON D’OR WINNERS – FULL LIST
Barça’s had six players win the Ballon d’Or since 1960, racking up a total of 12 awards.
Let’s not forget about the five (5) Women’s Ballon d’Or winners (Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022, Aitana Bonmatí in 2023, 2024, and 2025).
So basically, we’re the club with the most Ballon d’Or wins…Not bad, right?
Enjoy the list.
| Player Name | Nationality | Year Won | Ballon d’Ors |
| Luis Suárez | Spanish | 1960 | 1 |
| Johan Cruyff | Dutch | 1973, 1974 | 2 |
| Hristo Stoichkov | Bulgarian | 1994 | 1 |
| Rivaldo | Brazilian | 1999 | 1 |
| Ronaldinho | Brazilian | 2005 | 1 |
| Lionel Messi | Argentine | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 | 6 |
As you can see, Messi alone has six Ballon d’Ors, putting him way ahead of everyone else.
💡 Note: Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or should’ve been credited to his time at Barcelona, not PSG. Similarly, Luis Figo’s 2000 Ballon d’Or Barcelona is the one who had t get the credit, even though he transferred to Real Madrid later that year.
Soon Lamine Yamal will join that list. 😉
My personal opinion tho.
WHY BARÇA PLAYERS WIN THE BALLON D’OR
FC Barcelona’s style of play is focused on skill, vision, and creativity.
This gives talented players the perfect platform to show what they’ve got and ultimately shine, whether it’s Cruyff in the 70s, Stoichkov in the 90s, Ronaldinho in the 2000s, or Messi in the 2010s.
Barça’s system and formula DOES WORK, and it turns stars into legends and Ballon d’Or winners.
👉 Note: No club has more Ballon d’Ors than us, hence the “GOAT OF GOLD” t-shirt.
LUIS SUÁREZ (1960) – THE FIRST BARÇA WINNER
Alright, don’t get confused with the Uruguayan striker who played for Barça later, this Luis Suárez was a Spanish midfielder known as “The Architect.”
In 1960, he won the Ballon d’Or for his silky skills and vision, helping Barça win La Liga.
Actually, he was the first Spaniard ever to win it, beating out legends like Ferenc Puskás.
JOHAN CRUYFF (1973, 1974)
Johan Cruyff wasn’t just a player; he changed football forever.
The Dutchman won back-to-back Ballon d’Ors in 1973 and 1974 after joining Barça from Ajax.
His style is called “Total Football”.
He could dribble, pass, and score with ease, and he led Barça to a La Liga title in 1974.
Cruyff’s influence is still felt at Barcelona today, as he shaped their famous “tiki-taka” style.
HRISTO STOICHKOV (1994)
This underrated Bulgarian striker won the Ballon d’Or in 1994 after an epic year.
He led Barça to four straight La Liga titles and starred in the 1994 World Cup, where he was the top scorer.
RIVALDO (1999)
Rivaldo was the type of player who was unpredictable and could create chances out of LITERALLY nothing.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 after leading Barça to back-to-back La Liga titles.
His out-of-this-world performances, like that iconic hat-trick against Valencia, made him a Camp Nou hero.
Rivaldo beat out big names like David Beckham to claim the prize.
RONALDINHO (2005)
Man oh man, this guy right here (Ronnie) is the reason why I fell in love with football, FC Barcelona specifically.
Ronaldinho brought pure joy to football.
Gaúcho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 after guiding Barça to their first La Liga trophy of the 21st century.
His dribbles, no-look passes, and Elastico were unreal.
He even got a standing ovation from Real Madrid (3-0) fans after destroying them in an El Clásico match.
Ronaldinho’s magic also helped a young Lionel Messi shine and become the guy we all know today.
LIONEL MESSI (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019)
The GOAT.
What can I say about Leo? The guy’s a football alien.
He won six Ballon d’Ors with FC Barcelona (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019), more than anyone in history.
Messi’s dribbling, goals, and playmaking redefined what a footballer could do.
He led Barça to multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, including that unforgettable 2011 final against Manchester United.
A BIT OF BALLON D’OR HISTORY
The Ballon d’Or started back in 1956, created by France Football magazine.
At first, it was only for European players playing in Europe.
That’s why legends like Pelé and Maradona never won it, even though they were the best in the world at the time.
In 1995, the rules changed so non-Europeans could win it, and that’s when players like George Weah, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho entered the list.
By 2007, it became a true global award open to any player, anywhere.
Today, the Ballon d’Or is seen as the ultimate individual prize in football, the one that crowns the best of the best each year.
FAQ – FC BARCELONA BALLON D’OR WINNERS
WHO IS THE BARÇA PLAYER WITH THE MOST BALLON D’ORS?
Lionel Messi, with six Ballon d’Or awards.
WHEN DID THE FIRST BARÇA PLAYER WIN THE BALLON D’OR?
Luis Suárez Miramontes in 1960.
WHICH NATIONALITIES HAVE WON THE BALLON D’OR AT BARÇA?
Spanish, Dutch, Bulgarian, Brazilian, and Argentine players
HOW MANY BALLON D’ORS FC BARCELONA HAS
FC Barcelona has 12 Ballon d’Ors for Men and 3 Ballon d’Ors for Women.
▸ Source: FC Barcelona website
