Given Liverpool‘s status as one of the most legendary clubs in football history and their record of success, it’s no wonder that they have seen a considerable number of Ballon d’Or nominees since the award’s inception in 1956.
The club has claimed the English top-flight title 19 times, lifted the FA Cup eight times, and triumphed in the European Championship six times, attracting numerous exceptional talents who have graced the pitch.
Nevertheless, this rich history of excellence has not always equated to individual accolades. Surprisingly, Liverpool’s record in the Ballon d’Or context is rather limited, with only a few near misses involving their illustrious players.
Below is a list of every Liverpool player who has ever won the Ballon d’Or.
Michael Owen was the star player when Liverpool clinched the FA Cup in 2001 / Stu Forster/GettyImages
Only a single player has claimed the Ballon d’Or while playing for Liverpool. While names like Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, and Mohamed Salah often come to mind, it is former forward Michael Owen who stands as the club’s sole Ballon d’Or laureate.
Despite somewhat tarnishing his legacy with stints at Real Madrid and eventually Manchester United, Owen was once the pride of Liverpool. He advanced through the Anfield ranks with remarkable speed, quickly establishing himself as a key forward, earning him the title of the club’s potential savior.
Owen consistently netted ten or more goals in every Premier League season with Liverpool, except for his debut year where he made just two appearances. However, his finest season came in 2000/01. Despite even more prolific seasons after that, it was Owen’s contribution to Liverpool’s treble triumph at the turn of the century that truly showcased his world-class talent.
Under the management of Gerard Houllier, the Merseysiders secured the League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup, with Owen’s pivotal goals playing a crucial role in their success. Most memorably, he scored two late goals in a five-minute span during the FA Cup final, sealing the victory for his team.
A 2-1 comeback victory against Arsenal saw him finish as the top scorer for the Reds, netting 24 goals across all competitions.
Owen triumphed over future Madrid teammate Raul and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn to clinch the Ballon d’Or. As Liverpool currently has no nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or vote, Owen’s distinction as their sole champion remains intact for the time being.
Steven Gerrard came close in 2005 / Tom Jenkins/GettyImages
Although Liverpool dominated English football for many years, it wasn’t until 1983 that they had a player on the Ballon d’Or podium. That honor belonged to King Kenny, who finished second to Michel Platini from Juventus and France.
Despite his exceptional talent, Dalglish never experienced the triumph of winning a Ballon d’Or, and Gerrard faced a similar outcome with the Reds. In 2005, he had to settle for a third-place finish, trailing behind Frank Lampard and Ronaldinho, despite being a crucial player in the Liverpool team’s memorable comeback against AC Milan in that year’s Champions League final.
Fernando Torres, who partnered with Gerrard at Anfield in the late 2000s, also secured a third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or race in 2008. That year, he scored the winning goal for Spain in the European Championship final and netted 33 goals in all competitions in his inaugural season with Liverpool.
Another noteworthy near miss was Virgil van Dijk, who was the runner-up to Lionel Messi in 2019. The Dutch defender played a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp’s team after his transfer from Southampton, aiding the Reds in winning the Champions League that same year and subsequently claiming the Premier League title in the following season.
Kevin Keegan and Sadio Mane also achieved second-place finishes in 1977 and 2022, respectively, having excelled at Liverpool for much of the respective years. However, by the time the Ballon d’Or was awarded, both were representing Hamburg and Bayern Munich. Keegan, in particular, went on to win the accolade twice during his tenure in Germany.
Every Liverpool player to finish on the Ballon d’Or podium
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Player |
Year |
Placing |
|---|---|---|
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE 2024 BALLON D’OR NOMINEES & FAVOURITES
Exploring Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or Legacy: The Icons Who Have Stepped Onto the Podium
A Brief Overview of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, presented annually by France Football to the best male footballer in the world. Since its inception in 1956, this accolade has recognized the exceptional talent, skill, and dedication of football players globally. Liverpool FC, a club steeped in history and success, has produced several icons who have graced the Ballon d’Or podium.
Liverpool FC: A Hotbed of Talent
Over the decades, Liverpool FC has been home to many legendary players who have made significant contributions to the sport. The club’s commitment to developing players has resulted in numerous accolades, including players achieving the coveted Ballon d’Or recognition.
Historic Ballon d’Or Winners from Liverpool
- Kevin Keegan (1978, 1979)
- John Barnes (1990 – runner-up)
- Michael Owen (2001)
- Steven Gerrard (2005 - runner-up)
- Virgil van Dijk (2019 – runner-up)
- Mohamed Salah (2018, 2021 - multiple nominations)
Kevin Keegan: The Pioneer of Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or Journey
Kevin Keegan was the first Liverpool player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and again in 1979. Known for his incredible dribbling skills, work rate, and ability to score crucial goals, Keegan was a key figure in Liverpool’s dominance during the late 1970s.
- Achievements: 2-time Ballon d’Or winner (1978, 1979)
- Impact: Instrumental in Liverpool’s success, contributing to three league titles and the UEFA Cup.
John Barnes: The Creative Genius
John Barnes was another pivotal figure in Liverpool’s history. Though he did not win the Ballon d’Or, finishing as a runner-up in 1990, his skill and flair made him a fan favorite and an icon of the club.
- Achievements: PFA Players’ Player of the Year (1988)
- Impact: Known for his creativity, Barnes played a significant role in Liverpool’s FA Cup success.
Michael Owen: The Young Prodigy
Michael Owen burst onto the scene in the late 1990s and became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer. In 2001, he won the Ballon d’Or, showcasing his incredible pace and finishing ability. Owen remains one of the most recognizable names in football history.
- Achievements: Ballon d’Or winner (2001), FIFA World Player of the Year (1998)
- Impact: Part of Liverpool’s treble-winning team in 2001, scoring crucial goals in finals.
Steven Gerrard: The Heart of Liverpool
Steven Gerrard is arguably one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. With his leadership, passing, and goal-scoring ability, he led Liverpool to numerous victories. Although he was a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2005, his legacy at the club remains unmatched.
- Achievements: UEFA Champions League winner (2005), PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2006)
- Impact: Famous for his performance in the 2005 Champions League final, often referred to as the “Miracle of Istanbul.”
Virgil van Dijk: The Defensive Maestro
Virgil van Dijk has transformed Liverpool’s defense since his arrival in January 2018. His leadership and skills earned him a spot as a Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2019, showcasing the changing dynamics of the award usually focused on forwards.
- Achievements: UEFA Champions League winner (2019), PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2018)
- Impact: Key role in Liverpool’s defensive solidity, significantly contributing to their title-winning campaign in 2020.
Mohamed Salah: The Modern-Day Icon
Mohamed Salah has taken the Premier League by storm since joining Liverpool. Nominated for the Ballon d’Or multiple times, Salah’s ability to score and create goals has solidified his status as one of the best players in the world.
- Achievements: PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2018), Premier League Golden Boot winner (multiple times)
- Impact: A key figure in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League victory and their 2020 league title win.
The Evolution of Liverpool Players in the Ballon d’Or Rankings
As football evolves, so does the criteria for the Ballon d’Or. Historically dominated by forwards, recent years have seen defenders and midfielders garner more recognition. Liverpool FC has adapted to this change, producing well-rounded players who excel in all aspects of the game.
Table: Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or Achievements
| Player | Year(s) Won/Runner-Up | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Keegan | 1978, 1979 | 3x League Champion |
| John Barnes | 1990 (Runner-Up) | PFA Player of the Year |
| Michael Owen | 2001 | FIFA World Player of the Year |
| Steven Gerrard | 2005 (Runner-Up) | 2x FA Cup Winner |
| Virgil van Dijk | 2019 (Runner-Up) | UEFA Champions League Winner |
| Mohamed Salah | 2018, 2021 (Nominations) | Multiple Golden Boot Winner |
Benefits of Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or Legacy
The legacy of Liverpool players in the Ballon d’Or context extends beyond individual awards. Here are some benefits of this rich history:
- Inspiration for Future Generations: Young players inspired by the achievements of Liverpool icons are motivated to reach similar heights.
- Enhanced Club Prestige: The recognition of individual players elevates Liverpool’s status in global football.
- Attracting Talent: The legacy helps in attracting future talent, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled players.
First-Hand Experience: Liverpool Fans’ Perspectives
As one of the most passionate fanbases in football, Liverpool supporters share their thoughts and experiences regarding the club’s Ballon d’Or legends:
- Legacy of Success: “Watching Keegan and Gerrard play was magical. Their passion and commitment defined what it means to be a Red.”
- Modern Impact: “Salah’s arrival has reignited our hopes, and seeing him nominated for the Ballon d’Or reflects our club’s evolving talent.”
Practical Tips for Aspiring Footballers
For young players dreaming of following in the footsteps of Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or legends, here are some practical tips:
- Hard Work and Dedication: Consistent practice and a strong work ethic are essential to achieving greatness.
- Seek Guidance: Learning from coaches and experienced players can provide invaluable insights and skills.
- Stay Focused: Keep a positive outlook, remain focused on your goals, and learn from setbacks.
Case Studies: Success Stories of Liverpool Legends
Analyzing the journeys of Liverpool’s Ballon d’Or winners reveals
