Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is emerging as a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but how would he stack up against the youngest players to ever claim the prestigious award?
Legends like Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Eusebio, and Cristiano Ronaldo all secured the Ballon d’Or before age 25, yet they don’t even crack the list of the very youngest winners.
Since the Ballon d’Or began in 1956, here are the five youngest players to win the award, along with their ages at the time.
Oleg Blokhin – 23 years, 1 month, 25 days
In 1975, Blokhin claimed the Ballon d’Or, outshining Franz Beckenbauer (second) and Johan Cruyff (third).
Playing for Dynamo Kyiv, the forward secured the Soviet Top League, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and UEFA Super Cup that same year.
At the time of his win, he was 23 years, 1 month, and 25 days old—slightly younger than Cristiano Ronaldo when he won his first Ballon d’Or.
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George Best – 22 years, 7 months, 2 days
In 1968, George Best won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the youngest recipient of the award, a record that held for nearly three decades.
The Manchester United winger was unstoppable at his peak, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed his brilliance.
Sir Bobby Charlton described him: “When he first joined the team, no one had seen anything like him: small, tough, fearless in tackles, yet able to outmaneuver and outwit any opponent with ease.”
“George was as good as it gets; he consistently outclassed players. Watching him play was pure joy.”
Lionel Messi – 22 years, 5 months, 7 days
Messi claimed his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, leading Barcelona to their historic first treble.
“I was aware I was a favorite due to Barcelona’s successful 2009, but I didn’t anticipate winning by such a wide margin,” Messi remarked after receiving the award.
As the third youngest Ballon d’Or winner, Messi also holds the distinction of being the second oldest to win it, showcasing remarkable longevity.
At 36, the Argentine maestro secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, with only Stanley Matthews winning at an older age (41).
Michael Owen – 22 years, 4 days
In 2001, Owen claimed the Ballon d’Or, becoming the second-youngest recipient in history.
Under Gerard Houllier, the striker had a standout 2000-01 season, netting 24 goals and securing the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Super Cup, and UEFA Cup.
“I was in disbelief when I heard the news,” Owen said after his win.
“I knew I was among the top five contenders, but it still felt unreal.”
Ronaldo Nazario – 21 years, 3 months, 5 days
George Best was the youngest Ballon d’Or winner for 29 years until Ronaldo claimed the title in 1997.
After placing second to Matthias Sammer in 1996, the Brazilian dominated the 1997 Ballon d’Or, winning by a massive 154-point margin over runner-up Predrag Mijatovic.
In the 1996-97 season, Ronaldo scored 47 goals in 49 matches for Barcelona across all competitions before transferring to Inter Milan.
Since 1997, he has held the record as the youngest Ballon d’Or winner, though Lamine Yamal’s current form could challenge that record.
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