Top six players who lifted Ballon d’Or without winning Champions League

Many players have won the Ballon d’Or without winning a European trophy.

Only a few elite football players have received the coveted Ballon d’Or award throughout its history, which is a monument to their extraordinary skill and achievements in the beautiful game.

A few outstanding players have had to face the regrettable reality of failing to win European club football’s most coveted award, while many Ballon d’Or winners have attained greatness by winning numerous titles, including the coveted UEFA Champions League.

However, there are a few sensations who have lifted Ballon d’Or without winning the Champions League. We take a look at the top six:

6. Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil)

Ronaldo had the remarkable distinction of winning the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1997 and 2002. The fact that he is one of the Ballon d’Or winners who has never experienced Champions League victory may surprise many.

Even though the Brazilian Ronaldo has won two World Cups and has an incredible collection of other awards in his trophy case, the sought-after Champions League trophy is missing.

5. George Weah (Liberia)

It was in 1995 that the incredible Weah became the only African to win the Ballon d’Or. Possessing exceptional speed, strength, and cunning, the 53-year-old had become a full-fledged forward who made an impression on several elite teams during his playing days.

Even though he won a few league titles and cups, he was unable to win the coveted Champions League trophy. His one main team, PSG, are still one of the elite teams that haven’t won a significant European championship.

4. Roberto Baggio (Italy)

The former Italian international won the Ballon d’Or trophy in 1993. In his prime, the striker was a prolific and talented player who was lovingly referred to as the “divine ponytail.” Even though he was regarded as the best player in the world, he was unable to win the UEFA Champions League in his career.

3. Michael Owen (England)

The former England international made a lasting impression on the football world and is recognized by many as one of the English Premier League’s most prolific attackers. Throughout his career, he garnered praise and recognition as one of Liverpool’s finest attackers and was the proud recipient of the 2001 Ballon d’Or.

But in spite of his unquestionable skill and commitment, he was unsuccessful in his quest for the major European Cup, as neither Manchester United nor Liverpool were able to win the coveted award while he was with them.

2. Pavel Nedved (Czechia)

In 2003, the legendary Czech midfielder joyously accepted the Ballon d’Or award. Nedved spent most of his career with Juventus, where he demonstrated his extraordinary ability as a genuine maestro in the midfield. He won multiple league titles and cups throughout his tenure with the Old Lady, but he was never able to secure the coveted Champions League trophy.

1. Rodri (Spain)

Manchester City maestro Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or 2024 surprised many fans as the clear favourite to take the award home was Vinicius Junior. But Rodri lifting the prize was odd and baffling as he had failed to win the Champions League. In the award ceremony, most of the player’s key performance is seen in the Champions League as it’s the most important tournament which boasts the chances of a player to win the accolade.

However, without winning that competition, Rodri did have a brilliant season as he led Spain to Euro 2024 and Manchester City to the fourth Premier League before he was seen as a deserving player to win the award.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.