Top four longest gaps between Ballon d'Or winners from same nation ft. Kane & England
(Courtesy : Getty)
Harry Kane ended England’s long wait!
The Ballon d’Or is considered one of the most prestigious individual trophies in the world of football. The award recognises the best players from around the world.
While some countries, especially Argentina and Brazil, have enjoyed continuous success at the event, others have had to wait before seeing another one of their players lift the coveted trophy.
Recently, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane became the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2025, ending the Three Lions’ long wait for the top individual prize.
Nations like Spain, Portugal, England and France are on the list that experienced some of the longest gaps between Ballon d’Or winners. This highlights that it is difficult for a country to produce successive generations of exceptionally talented players.
Also Read: Top five leagues with most Ballon d’Or winners
Longest gaps between Ballon d’Or winners from same nation
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| Rank | Nation | Previous Winner | Next Winner | Gap |
| 1 | Spain | Luis Suárez (1960) | Rodri (2024) | 64 years |
| 2 | Portugal | Eusébio (1965) | Luis Figo (2000) | 35 years |
| 3 | England | Michael Owen (2001) | Harry Kane (2026) | 25 years |
| 4 | France | Raymond Kopa (1958) | Michel Platini (1983) | 25 years |
4. France – 25 years
France as a nation has continued to produce exceptional talent over the years. Raymond Kopa was the first player for the country who won the Ballon d’Or while playing for Real Madrid. Kopa helped the Spanish giants secure the European Cup. It was only 25 years later that another French star claimed the Golden Ball.
Michel Platini ended France’s long wait in 1983 after an exceptional period with Juventus and the France national football team.
3. England – 25 years
England is the newest addition to the list after Harry Kane‘s Ballon d’Or triumph. There was no Englishman who secured the prestigious individual award after Michael Owen in 2001. The nation also endured a 25-year gap.
Owen clinched the award after a sensational year with Liverpool, in which he helped them secure the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup. Kane ended the long drought for England after winning the Golden Ball in 2026 while representing Bayern Munich. His individual masterclass for both the German club and his nation was good enough.
2. Portugal – 35 years
Portugal experienced a 35-year gap between Eusébio’s Ballon d’Or triumph in 1965 and Luís Figo’s victory in 2000.
Eusébio displayed top-of-the-line performances for SL Benfica, establishing himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football. He also became the first-ever Portuguese player to secure the Golden Ball.
The long wait for the prestigious award for Portugal was ended by Figo in 2000. He had an outstanding spell with FC Barcelona and then moved to Real Madrid. After him, Cristiano Ronaldo won the award five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017).
1. Spain – 64 years
This remains the longest gap a nation has to wait for before reclaiming the Ballon d’Or. Spain endured a 64-year gap between Luis Suárez Miramontes winning the award in 1960 and Rodri claiming the award in 2024.
Suárez became the first Spanish player to win the prestigious honour after a display of top performances for Barcelona and then Inter Milan. Rodri brought it back to the nation, ending the 64-year old drought. He enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Manchester City and the Spain national football team.
Who won the men’s Ballon d’Or 2026?
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich.
Which nation has the longest gap between Ballon d’Or winners?
The answer is Spain, with their 64-year gap. Luis Suárez Miramontes won the award in 1960, and Rodri claimed the award in 2024.
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