Top 5 oldest Ballon d'Or winners

Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d'Or award has seen many recipients. Only 2 players have managed to win the most number of awards, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have managed to win 5 and 7 awards respectively. But today we will look at the top 5 oldest Ballon d'Or winners.

The top 5 oldest Ballon d'Or winners are:

#5. Luka Modric (2018): 33 Years 2 Months

A rare winner during the Messi-Ronaldo era, Luka Modric clinched his first Ballon d'Or in 2018, and that too at the age of 33. 

Real Madrid's number 10 held the UEFA Champions League trophy for the third time in a row and led Croatia, FIFA World Cup final for the first time in their history. He is considered one of the best midfielders of this generation and his skills put him on top of his competitors.

#4. Alfredo Di Stefano (1989): 33 Year 5 Months

A legendary figure of Real Madrid, was the first player from the club to get his hands on the Ballon d'Or award. The Argentina-born striker is considered one of the best players of all time and is praised for his poaching skills even today. 

The Real Madrid legend has bagged the prestigious Ballon d'Or award twice (1957 and 1959). By the time di Stefano won his second and last Ballon d'Or, he was over 33 years old.

#3. Lev Yashin (1963): 34 years and 1 Month

The first and the only goalkeeper till now to get the Ballon d'Or award, on top of that he is the first ever player to receive this prestigious award. 

The Soviet goalkeeper was known for his goalkeeping as well as his commanding skills. Lev Yashin often held his side's defense together and brought an air of composure to the backline.

#2. Lionel Messi (2021): 34 Years 5 Months

The most successful player in the history of the Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi clinched his 7th award. He is the only footballer to win the prestigious trophy four times in a row (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012). 

Lionel Messi's 2021 included leading his national side Argentina to the Copa America title, his first ever major international trophy, as well as a Copa del Ray triumph with Barcelona.

#1. Stanley Matthews (1956): 41 years and 10 months

The oldest and the first player to win this award, Stanley Matthews won this award in 1956 at the age of 41 years old. He spent the majority of his playing career at Stoke City and Blackpool. An absolute poacher in front of goal, Sir Stanley Matthews was extremely clinical and his accuracy was pinpoint.