When football fans ask has Maradona won a Ballon d’Or, the surprising answer is no. Despite being one of the greatest players of all time, Diego Maradona never officially lifted the prestigious trophy. The reason was not his talent, but the rules: until 1995, only European players were eligible to win the award. This meant legends like Maradona and Pelé were excluded. However, in 1995 and later in 2020, Maradona was recognized with an honorary award, cementing his status in football history. Today, BraeckBall will guide you through the story of why the Argentine genius never officially claimed a Ballon d’Or and how his legacy transcends awards.
The history of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or was first introduced in 1956 by the French magazine France Football. At its core, the award aimed to crown the best footballer playing in Europe. For decades, the voting system was biased toward European players, regardless of how outstanding non-European players performed. This structural limitation shaped the award’s history and explains why many legends were left unrecognized.
By 1995, the rules finally changed, allowing non-European players playing in European leagues to be eligible. This opened the door for global icons such as George Weah, Ronaldo Nazário, and Lionel Messi. But for Maradona, the change came too late.
Why Maradona was never eligible
During the 1980s, Maradona’s career reached its zenith. He conquered the world with Argentina in the 1986 World Cup, producing unforgettable moments like the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century.” At Napoli, he transformed a struggling club into Serie A champions, winning two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia, and a UEFA Cup. Statistically, his influence was unmatched: goals, assists, leadership, and sheer magic on the pitch.
Yet, the Ballon d’Or jury could not honor him. The rules only permitted Europeans, meaning contemporaries such as Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, and Ruud Gullit collected awards while Maradona watched, Maradona would have won at least two or three Ballons d’Or during his peak.
Maradona’s honorary recognition
The 1995 Ballon d’Or d’Honneur
In 1995, when eligibility rules changed, France Football awarded Maradona a Ballon d’Or d’Honneur. This “honorary Ballon d’Or” recognized his monumental contribution to football and his influence on the sport. It was not part of the official record of winners, but it served as a symbolic correction.
FIFA Player of the Century
In 2000, Maradona shared the FIFA Player of the Century award with Pelé. While Pelé was chosen by an official FIFA committee, Maradona won the fan vote overwhelmingly, showing the public’s love and recognition. For many, this award held even more emotional weight than the Ballon d’Or itself.
How many Ballons d’Or would Maradona have won?
Football analysts and statisticians often reconstruct “retroactive” Ballon d’Or rankings. Many conclude that Maradona would have claimed the award at least twice, possibly in 1986 after his World Cup heroics, and in 1987 when he led Napoli to their first Serie A title. Some even argue he might have had three or four trophies if judged by modern standards.
This places him in the company of Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten in terms of official numbers — and perhaps even challenging Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if all-time greatness is the measuring stick.
Comparing Maradona to other legends
Maradona is often mentioned alongside Pelé, Messi, and Ronaldo. The difference is that Messi, his fellow Argentine, was able to lift the Ballon d’Or eight times, becoming the most decorated player in history. Cristiano Ronaldo followed closely with five. For Pelé and Maradona, the absence of this trophy does not diminish their greatness — it highlights the flaws of the award’s historical rules.
- Pelé: Also never won the Ballon d’Or due to the same restrictions.
- Maradona: Won honorary recognition but no official trophy.
- Messi: Became the Argentine who fulfilled the Ballon d’Or destiny that Maradona was denied.
This comparison underlines how awards sometimes fail to capture the true hierarchy of legends.
The legacy beyond trophies
Maradona’s legacy was never dependent on golden balls or statistics. His football was art, his career a story of triumph, controversy, and passion. Fans remember the emotion he evoked, the way he carried Napoli against giants, and how he gave Argentina their proudest moment in 1986. His influence continues to shape generations, from Lionel Messi’s inspiration to Napoli’s enduring love for their adopted son.
In essence, Maradona did not need the Ballon d’Or to prove he was one of the greatest. His legacy is etched in football’s collective memory, transcending any award.
Conclusion
So, has Maradona won a Ballon d’Or? Officially, no. But he received an honorary version in 1995, and his career achievements would have easily earned him multiple trophies if the rules had been fairer. For fans, Maradona remains eternal — a symbol of genius, passion, and imperfection that makes football beautiful.
At BraeckBall, we believe awards are temporary, but legends are forever. Keep following us for more in-depth stories about football’s greatest icons, the latest updates on players, and guides to the beautiful game. Let’s continue celebrating football’s past, present, and future together.
