How Many Barcelona Players Have Won the Ballon d'Or?

FC Barcelona continues to shine on the global stage, not only in men’s football but also in the women’s game. From historic legends to modern-day heroes, Barça players have dominated the Ballon d'Or like no other club. Let’s break down how many times Barcelona stars have lifted football’s most prestigious individual award.

Barça Women Lead the Way in Recent Years

In recent seasons, FC Barcelona Femení has taken center stage. The club’s midfield queens—Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí—have made history.

Alexia won the Ballon d'Or in 2021 and 2022
Aitana followed up with back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024

Out of the six women’s Ballon d'Or awards given so far, Barça players have won four. The only exceptions were in 2018 (Ada Hegerberg) and 2019 (Megan Rapinoe).

Alexia Putellas wearing Barça shirt and standing behind two Ballin D'ors

Aitana Bonmati wearing Barça shirt and standing behind two Ballin D'ors

Barcelona Holds the All-Time Ballon d'Or Record

When combining both men’s and women’s categories, FC Barcelona holds the all-time record with 16 Ballon d'Or wins.

In the men's category alone, Barça is tied with Real Madrid at 12 wins each. However, Barça leads overall with two additional women’s titles—something Madrid can’t yet claim.

List of Barcelona’s Ballon d'Or Winners

Men’s Winners While at Barça:

Luis Suárez – 1960
Johan Cruyff – 1973, 1974
Hristo Stoichkov – 1994
Rivaldo – 1999
Ronaldinho – 2005
Lionel Messi – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019

Note: Messi also won in 2021 and 2023, but after leaving Barça.

Women’s Winners:

Alexia Putellas – 2021, 2022
Aitana Bonmatí – 2023, 2024

La Masia's Golden Touch: 12 Ballon d'Ors

Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, has produced 12 Ballon d'Ors.

Lionel Messi contributed 8 of them
Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí added 4 more

This achievement proves how vital the club’s development system has been to global football excellence.

Barcelona’s Ballon d'Or Podium Moments

Barça players haven’t just won—they’ve filled the podium too.

In 2010, Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández swept the top three spots—an unprecedented achievement.
Xavi and Iniesta frequently appeared in the top rankings throughout their careers, although neither won.
Neymar, during his Barça years, finished third in 2015 and 2017.

Conclusion

Barcelona’s Ballon d'Or history is unmatched. From Cruyff to Messi, and now to Bonmatí, the club continues to produce world-class talent. With a strong youth system and a legacy of excellence, it’s no surprise that the Ballon d'Or keeps finding its way to Barça.