Top five oldest Ballon d’Or winners in football history

Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards

The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football, awarded annually to the world's best player. The 67th annual ceremony was concluded with Messi winning the award, he remains the only footballer to ever win 8 Ballon d'Or awards.

In doing so, the Argentina and Inter Miami captain became the second-oldest player ever to win the award. Messi pushed Karim Benzema down to third place on the list of the oldest Ballon d'Or winners. The Ballon d'Or, a prestigious football accolade, has seen its fair share of older winners,

These experienced athletes, each possess a unique set of skills and contributions, showcase the longevity of their careers and their dedication to the game. Here's the list of the top five oldest Ballon d'Or winners who demonstrated that age is no barrier:

5. Lev Yashin (1963): 34 years, one month and 26 days

Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or, winning it in 1963 at the age of 34. Yashin was known for his incredible reflexes, his ability to command his area, and his revolutionary sweeper-keeper style. He helped the Soviet Union win the UEFA European Championship in 1960 and reach the World Cup semi-finals in 1966. He was often referred to as the "Black Spider."

Also Read: Top 10 players with most Ballon d’Or awards

4. Lionel Messi (2021): 34 years, five months and five days

Lionel Messi won the 2021 Ballon d'Or award, his seventh overall, Messi won the award after a stellar season in which he captained Argentina to the Copa America title since 1993, their first major international tournament win in nearly three decades. He scored 43 goals in 61 matches for FC Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain and Argentina.

3. Karim Benzema (2022): 34 years, nine months and 29 days

Karim Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award at the age of 34. Benzema won the award after a season to remember in which he led Real Madrid to the Champions League and LaLiga titles. Benzema's Ballon d'Or win was also a testament to his longevity and dedication to the game. Benzema became the first French footballer to bag the award since Zinedine Zidane in 1998, he also became the fifth French footballer in history to achieve this feat.

2. Lionel Messi (2023): 36 years, four months and six days

Lionel Messi clinches record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or award, beats Erling Haaland to bag this award. The former Barcelona player had a 2022-23 season to remember, leading Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar last year. He became the first player from MLS to win this award, he also dedicated this award to the late Diego Maradona. He becomes one of the seven players to win the World Cup and Ballon d'Or in the same year.

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1. Stanley Matthews (1956): 41 years, 10 months and 17 days

Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the British game and one of the greatest players of all time, Stanley Matthews was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1956 at the age of 41. Matthews was a winger known for his incredible speed, skill, and fitness. He played his entire career in England, winning two league titles and the FA Cup. He still remains the oldest player ever to win this award, it'll take somebody great to beat him.