The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by the French news magazine France Football. It is one of the oldest rewards and the whole world regards it as the most prestigious individual award for football players. France Football has been rewarding this award to the best player of the year since 1956.
Meanwhile, SportzPoint.com here comes for you with the 3 defenders who won Ballon d'Or award.
Fabio Cannavaro comes at third spot of this list of Defenders who won Ballon d'Or award. The Italian had a fabulous 2005/06 season. Where he along with Buffon and Thuram formed a formidable defensive partnership that powered Juventus to the second Serie A title in two years. In the summer of 2006, Cannavaro captained the Italy team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where his leadership qualities and defensive discipline gained worldwide fame. The Italian guided his country to the final of the World Cup against France and lifted the trophy at the end of an eventful night.
It was an incredible achievement for a player who was already on the rise. Cannavaro joined Real Madrid over the summer and won the FIFA World Player of the year later that year. He finished with 498 points at the end of the voting process, beating the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho to become the best player of the year. On 27th November 2006, the Italian became on the third defender in the history of the game to win the Ballon d'Or award. His fellow countryman Buffon finished second, while French striker Thierry Henry finished third. As of now, he is the last defender to win the title.
Mathias Sammer of Germany comes at second spot in our list of Defenders who won Ballon d'Or award. The German had played most of his career as a midfielder when Borussia Dortmund manager Ottmar Hitzfeld made a surprise decision in the 93/94 season. Moreover, he asked Sammer to play in defence, as a sweeper. Sammer had already found success as a midfielder in his career, winning the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and two DDR-Oberliga. And also one FDGB-Pokal with Dynamo Dresden. As such, Hitzfeld's decision had a high degree of risk. However, it was a decision that would change Sammer's life forever.
Sammer continued his good form with Dortmund, as the Bundesliga side won the 1997 Champions League. However, injuries hurt him in the following season and ultimately retired in 1998.
At the top of our list of defenders who won Ballon Dor is Franz Beckenbauer. Franz was the first defender to win the prestigious award and is also the only defender to win it more than once. The German International first won the award in the year 1972, where he saw off competition from fellow countrymen Gerd Muller and Gunter Netzer. Der Kaiser also won the award in 1976.
The legendary German is often considered to be the best defender in the history of football. Beckenbauer is also credited to have revolutionized the art of modern defending, inventing. Then excelling in the role of a sweeper or the libero. He famously won three consecutive European Cups with Bayern Munich in between 1974 to 1976, besides also winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup and 1972 UEFA European Championships.On 26th December 1972, Beckenbauer won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the second German to win the award, finishing with 81 points after the voting process in a closely contested tie. In 1976, Der Kaiser was significantly more dominant, finishing with 91 points, as he received his second Ballon d'Or on 28th December 1976.
Discover the PSG phenoms Senny Mayulu and Desire Doue, who etched their names in the history of youngest goalscorers in Champions League finals after scoring against Inter Milan to win their first UCL title.
The UEFA Champions League final represents the pinnacle of Europeam Club football, a stage where heroes are crowned. For any player, scoring in this momentous match is a big achivement, and for a few, that moment comes at an astonishingly young age!
Dive into the list of 5 youngest goalscorers in Champions League finals, with the spotlight on recent additions of Paris Saint-Germain's Mayulu and Doue, who have etched their names on this exclusive list.
5. Lars Ricken (20 years 322 days) | 1997
Lars Ricken scoring a goal against Juventus in 1997 Champions League finals. Image | Bundesliga
In 1997, Borussia Dortmund's local boy, Lars Ricken etched his name into Champions League final history with a goal against Juventus. Coming on as a substitute, he took just 16 seconds to score the goal after entering the pitch!
At just 20 years and 322 days old, his impactful goal helped Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory, and it still remains one of the most iconic moments in UCL finals history.
4. Desire Doue (19 years 362 days) | 2025
Desire Doue celebrates after scoring a brilliant goal against Inter Milan in 2025 Champions League finals. Image | Instagram
The 2025 UEFA Champions League final saw a remarkably young talent make his mark on field. Desire Doue added his name in this list of youngest goalscorers with scoring twice (20' , 63') in the finals against Inter Milan.
He scored the second and third goal of the match, which significantly gave PSG a boost in this high-stakes match. His attacking style and dominant gameplay at just 19 years and 362 days of age, was great to watch.
Doue's name will be forever treasured in the books of PSG's success in UEFA Champions League.
Carlos Alberto celebrates his goal in the 2004 Champions League finals. Image | Instagram
Carlos Alberto of FC Porto scored a stunning goal in the 2004 Champions League finals at the age of 19 years and 167 days. He scored the first goal of the match, which eventually led to a victory of 3-0 against AS Monaco FC.
He delivered a memorable moment for the team and became the key figure in Porto's surprising triumph, that too, for their second UCL title.
2. Senny Mayulu (19 years 14 days) | 2025
Senny Mayulu celebrates after scoring a goal for PSG in 2025 Champions League. Image | BBC
In the electrifying final of 2025 Champions League, PSG got another young talent who didn't just play; he made history. Senny Mayulu, at just 19 years and 14 days old, became the second-youngest goalscorer ever in the Champions League final.
Mayulu scored the final goal in their 5-0 victory against Inter Milan, and his strike in a match of such immense pressure solidified his status as an emerging player for the Parisian giants.
Patrick Kluivert celebrates his 1995 Champions League final goal for Ajax. Image | Instagram
Topping the list as the youngest goalscorer in Champions League final is Patrick Kluivert. In 1995 final, playing for Ajax, he scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, securing a 1-0 victory against AC Milan.
At just 18 years and 327 days of age, his crucial finish brought Ajax's fifth UCL title home, and established him as an iconic talent who made history in European football's grandest stage.
After Luis Enrique became only the sixth football manager to win the Champions League with different clubs, we present you with some interesting football facts about managers with the most UCL titles in their careers.
In Europe, the Champions League is seen as the most demanding title among players, managers, and clubs from all over Europe. The Giant clubs compete for this specific trophy every year, with the prestige and financial rewards received from the tournament being among the biggest in club football.
Achieving success in this competition is usually seen by most players and managers as the benchmark of club-level achievement in Europe. For many managers, winning the Champions League is the ultimate goal.
Some managers, however, have managed to win the competition multiple times, some with multiple teams as well. Without further due, here are the interesting football facts of the five managers with the most Champions League titles.
Many regard Pep Guardiola as the greatest manager of his generation due to his success with all the clubs he has managed. The Spanish manager has won the competition thrice in his managerial career, two times with FC Barcelona and once with Manchester City.
Guardiola won his first Champions League title in his first season in charge of Barcelona, with his side defeating Manchester United 2-0 in 2008-09 as part of their first-ever treble. The former Barcelona midfielder was 38 years old at the time, making him the youngest manager to win the competition to date.
He won his second title two years later in the 2010-11 season, defeating the same opponent 3-1 in the final. Lionel Messi was the star of both triumphs, scoring both times.
Then he managed Bayern but wasn't able to bring any Champions League titles to the German Club. Finally, his 12-year wait came to an end when Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the Final of the UCL 2022-23 season.
Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid in its most dominant period of the 21st century. The Frenchman won three titles with Los Blancos in three years in charge of the club.
Zidane won his first title just four months after he replaced Rafael Benitez as manager of Real Madrid. He led the side to defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the 2015-16 final.
The next season, Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final for their 12th crown.
Zidane led Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the 2017-18 final. The Frenchman is the only manager in history to win the competition three consecutive times. He is also the first and only French manager to win the competition to date.
Bob Paisley | 3 European Cups
Bob Paisley was a Liverpool soccer player, manager, and administrator for almost 50 years.
No football manager demonstrated the art of leading quietly and without ego more than Bob Paisley. He won twenty trophies in nine years for Liverpool Football Club between 1974 and 1983.
He brought 3 European Cups, six League Championships (including three in a row in 1981, 1982, and 1983), three League Cups, 6 Charity Shields, one UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Paisley is the only British manager to win the European Cup three times. Bob is now regarded as one of the best soccer managers of all time.
Carlo Ancelotti | 5 Champions League titles
Carlo Ancelotti is one of football's managerial greats of the 21st century. The Italian manager has won five Champions League titles in his time as a manager, having also won the competition twice as a player.
Ancelotti won his first Champions League title in the 2002-03 season with AC Milan as his side defeated Juventus on penalties in the final. He won his second title in the 2006-07 season as AC Milan defeated Liverpool 2-1.
Ancelotti won his third title with Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season after his side defeated Atlético Madrid 4-1. His fourth title came in the 2021-22 season with Real Madrid once again after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
They have won it all: Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC
From domestic league titles to European glory, they have won it all. With the recent addition of the UEFA Conference League 2025 to complete their historic collection; here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC for you to explore!
In the world of football, few clubs stand out like Chelsea FC. Their trophy cabinet tells a story of incredible success, proving that they have truly won it all!
With their recent UEFA Conference League 4-1 victory over Real Betis, Chelsea completed a historic sweep of all major UEFA titles.
Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC that defines their successful journey in the football world. Take a look.
European Royalty: Conquering the Continent
Chelsea FC lifting the trophy of UEFA Champions League 2021 after their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final. Image | Twitter
Chelsea have battled across the continent's most prestigious stages and won every major UEFA club trophy, a feat few clubs can claim.
Their crowning achivements including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, notable defeating Bayern Munich [1-1 (4-3 pens)] in 2012 and Manchester City (1-0) in 2021.
Beyond the Champions League, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Europa League twice (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, famously against Real Madrid in the replay, and also in 1998.
Additionally, two UEFA Super Cup victories (1998, 2021) further highlight their continental dominance.
The collection was completed with their 2025 UEFA Conference League triumph, where Chelsea FC beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final.
The domestic dominance of Chelsea FC
Chelsea lifting their second FA Cup title in 1997 after defeating Middlesbrough (2-1) in the final. Image | Facebook
Beyond their European conquests, they have also established as masters of England by securing highest domestic honors.
The Blues clinched the First Division/Premier League title and impress six times (1955, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017) along with eightFA Cup victories (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018). This makes them the competition's most successful team.
Their domestic dominance also extends to League Cup, which they have won fivetimes in the following years: 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015.
Completing the Set: Global and Historic Honors
Chelsea FC lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in 2021. Image | Wikipedia
Chelsea's trophy cabinet truly lives upto the "won it all" status by having a collection of unique, historical, and global titles.
The FIFA Club World Cup win over Palmeiras (2-1) in 2021, made them only London club to win the Champions League as well as FIFA Club WC.
Further adding to their phenomenal collection are fourCharity/Community Shield triumphs (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009), which mark their traditional early-season dominance.
As we move down to the final count, Chelsea also holds two Full Members' Club Victories (1986, 1990).
Ballon d'Or 2025: UEFA announces date for the ceremony; categories extended
The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is set to take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Aitana Bonamti and Rodri won the Ballon d'Or last season. Image | UEFA
The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is set to take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
This celebrated event, presented annually by France Football since 1956, honours the world’s finest football talent for their exceptional performances on the pitch.
A Historic Partnership
For the second consecutive year, UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owners of France Football and L’Équipe, are co-organising the event, bringing together their expertise to elevate the ceremony’s global reach.
This collaboration ensures a night of glamour and recognition for football’s brightest stars.
In a groundbreaking move, the 2025 Ballon d’Or will introduce three new categories dedicated to celebrating the achievements of female players, marking a significant step toward gender equality in football recognition.
The full list of awards for 2025 includes:
Men’s Ballon d’Or and Women’s Ballon d’Or: Honouring the best male and female players.
Men’s Kopa Trophy and Women’s Kopa Trophy: Recognising the best young male and female players.
Men’s Yashin Trophy and Women’s Yashin Trophy: Awarded to the top male and female goalkeepers.
Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy and Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Celebrating the leading goal scorers in club and national team competitions.
Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy and Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Honouring the best coaches in club and national team football.
Men’s Club of the Year and Women’s Club of the Year: Recognising the top-performing clubs.
Sócrates Award: Presented by L’Équipe and Peace and Sport, this award celebrates a player’s solidarity actions or contributions to societal causes.
The nominees for these prestigious awards will be announced in early August 2025.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, let's look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
Premier League, also known as the English Premier League, is a top-tier football league in England. This league consists of 20 teams in a league system with a relegation and promotion system to/from the English Championship.
Each team plays 38 matches against every other team, 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league globally and is broadcast in over 200 territories with an average number of viewers of 4.7 billion.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, we will look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
The Football League First Division was the top-tier football league in England from 1888. But in the post-1970s and early 1980s, the league started to reach a low point with incidents like the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which banned them from UEFA Competitions for five years.
But after England reached the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the downward trend started to reverse. The stadium started to get filled, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards also helped clubs to create better standard stadiums.
After a dispute over TV rights and maximising the club revenue, the big five clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Arsenal, opted to come out of the Football League First Division and create another league.
At the close of the 1990-91 season, the FA Premier League was formed, and from 1992-93 the Premier League era started with 22 teams. Manchester United were the first Premier League champions and went on to win seven of the first nine trophies.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Till now, 51 teams have played in the Premier League since the tournament was rebranded in 1992. 7 teams have successfully won the Premier League title.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are considered the 'Big Six' in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Tottenham haven't lifted any major title in their history, but still, they go toe to toe with every club and take part in the title race.
Manchester United, with 13 Premier League titles since 1992, are the most successful club in the Premier League era.
Most Premier League titles won by the clubs
Manchester United- 13
Manchester City- 8
Chelsea - 5
Arsenal- 3
Liverpool- 2
Blackburn Rovers - 1
Leicester City -1
Most Premier League Titles
7. Leicester City - 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season | Image: Sky Sports
In the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City won the title in the Premier League. They were considered to be an underdog before but they overcame the rough phase and won the Premier League title in the club's 132-year history.
Striker Jamie Vardy broke the record for consecutive games with a goal in the Premier League (11). Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez became both the first African and Algerian player to be the recipient of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Blackburn won the title in the 1994-95 season | Image: Reuters
Blackburn Rovers was one of the 22 founding members of the Premier League era. They won the Premier League a long time ago in the 1994-95 season. Alan Shearer, with 34 goals for them, was the top scorer of the season. However, they were relegated in the 1998–99 season, becoming one of the 42 teams that were relegated as the Premier League champions.
Right after two seasons, they were promoted again in the 2000-01 season, but they were relegated yet once again, and that too in the same season. Unfortunately, they have not returned to the Premier League since then.
5. Liverpool FC - 2 titles
Liverpool FC after winning the Premier League 2024-25 title. Image | Liverpool FC
The Anfield Giants are one of the most popular English Clubs. Midfield maestros Steven Gerrard and William Shankly were a few of the legends that the club produced.
However, Liverpool had to wait for 30 years for their first-ever Premier League title. The club won the Premier League once in 2019-20 under German tactician Jurgen Klopp. That was Liverpool's nineteenth overall title in England's top-tier football.
Mohamed Salah, with 19 goals, was one of the star performers for the Reds in that season.
As their most recent league success, Liverpool won the Premier League 2024-25 title with 4 games to go in the season. Arne Slot's first season as the Liverpool manager gave them their 20th Title in the top flight and 2nd in the Premier League era.
Mohamed Salah again played a pivotal role in their success with 28 goals and counting.
4. Arsenal FC - 3 titles
Arsenal won the 2003-04 title as Invincibles | Image: Getty
The London Giants Arsenal are one of the most famous football clubs on planet earth. They have won the title 3 times in the years 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.
They were the first club to create Premier League history by maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak to win the title in 2003-04.
In domestic football, Arsenal has won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, and 17 FA Community Shields, but they haven't won a single European title yet.
Chelsea won their first Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 season | Image: Chelsea
Another London club, Chelsea, is on this list, and there is no doubt why they are the best London Club in the Premier League. They won the title 5 times in the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, and 2016-17.
The Blues won their first Premier League title under the 'Special One'Jose Mourinho, who completely changed the face of this London Club alongside Roman Abramovich, who was the Chelsea owner at that time.
They have also won the Champions League 2 times, alongside 2 Europa League titles.
2. Manchester City - 8 titles
City players celebrating their sixth title in seven seaons.
Manchester City, the Blue side of Manchester, are the reigning champions of England and Europe. This team have won the title 7 times in the years 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City became the first club to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season. No side in English football history had ever won the top-flight more than three years back-to-back.
They are the second Club after Manchester United to complete the three-pit in the Premier League and win the European treble.
The club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era | Image: X
The team with the most Premier League Titles is Manchester United, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. They are the most successful team in the English Premier League and also the most famous English Club on the Entire Planet. United were also the first-ever team to win the Premier League.
They were the first English club to ever win the European treble, and that remained a record until Manchester City finally matched it in the 2022-23 season. Manchester United won the titles in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13.
They have also won the most number of trophies in England, and that happened because of the Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football
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