The complete list of Real Madrid’s 18 Ballon d’Or winners before Vinicius Jr!

Real Madrid undeniably dominates not only international competitions but also individual accolades. For decades, its players have etched their names into the history of the Ballon d’Or, a prize awarded to the best player in the world. Vinícius Jr is now on the verge of joining this elite circle. Should the Brazilian win the Ballon d’Or this year, he would become the 12th Real Madrid player to lift this coveted trophy.

The Ballon d’Or has long been associated with Real Madrid. The biggest names in football history have proudly held this trophy while wearing the famous white jersey. From Alfredo Di Stéfano to Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo in between, the road to the Ballon d’Or often seems inevitable for those who play at this club. Vinícius Jr, through flashes of brilliance and dazzling performances, is just steps away from inscribing his name in this legendary list.

If the Brazilian is crowned on the evening of October 28, he will join an ultra-exclusive club where players like Ronaldo Nazário and Zinedine Zidane once shined. It’s not just about talent; it’s a consecration that rewards years of hard work and success at the highest level. Vinícius, who once again rose to the occasion yesterday in the Champions League at the Bernabéu against Borussia Dortmund, perfectly embodies this tradition of exceeding expectations. But before counting him among the chosen few, let’s take a look back at the iconic figures who have marked Real Madrid’s history with the Ballon d’Or.

The Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid, a legacy in the making

Since 1957, Real Madrid has imposed its dominance on the Ballon d’Or with numerous players who made history. The table below easily illustrates the evolution of the Casa Blanca players who have won the Ballon d’Or year after year. Each of these trophies symbolizes not only the individual success of the players but also the grandeur and heritage of Real Madrid.

If all goes as expected, Vinícius Jr will become the 12th Real Madrid player to win the award, bringing the club’s total to 19 Ballon d’Ors. This is because players like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Cristiano Ronaldo won multiple titles while at the Spanish capital club. It would be further proof that Real Madrid is the club where the world’s best players shine brightest. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic five Ballon d’Ors, four of which were won at Real Madrid, and the crowning of Karim Benzema in 2022, as well as Luka Modrić’s 2018 victory, Vinícius Jr would become the new face of an unbroken lineage of excellence.

The ultimate destination for stars seeking football glory

Real Madrid remains the ultimate destination for any star aiming to reach the pinnacle of world football. A Ballon d’Or victory for Vinícius would reaffirm this inseparable link between individual success and a career path that passes through La Casa Blanca. This legacy is one that Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s newest recruit, seems determined to uphold in the years to come.