Here, we look at 20 who came close, but who were never crowned best in the world.
Xavi
This former Barcelona midfielder came third in the Ballon d’Or voting on three occasions.
Raul
He was Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer until Cristiano Ronaldo came along and he finished second in the 2001 vote.
Maldini
He won five Champions Leagues at AC Milan, but never a Ballon d’Or, for which he came third in 1994 and 2003.
Buffon
This goalkeeper was voted second in 2006 after winning the World Cup with Italy.
Casillas
He captained Spain to World Cup glory, yet never made the Ballon d’Or podium.
Henry
He has finished second and third, but this French World Cup and Champions League winner has never been named best in the world.
Lampard
This midfielder helped Chelsea win a Champions League in 2012 and was second in the 2005 Ballon d’Or vote.
Gerald
This Liverpool midfielder won the Champions League in 2005 and came third in that year’s voting.
Pirlo
This classy Italian midfielder never once made the podium.
Puyol
A legendary Barcelona centre-back and captain who never once made the Ballon d’Or podium.
Baresi
This AC Milan defender came second in the 1989 vote, but never finished first.
Puskas
This Hungarian finished second in the 1960 Ballon d’Or vote, having won the European Cup with Real Madrid.
Totti
This one-club man has won a World Cup with Italy, but hasn’t made a Ballon d’Or podium.
Cantona
This former Manchester United player was voted third in 1993.
Beckamp
This former Arsenal forward came third in 1992 and second in 1993, but didn’t make the jump to first.
Giggs
The 2009 Premier League Player of the Year didn’t once finish in the top three for Ballon d’Or voting.
Carlos
After winning the World Cup in 2002, this left-back finished second, but never finished first.
Del piero
This Juventus legend stuck with his club in Serie B, but loyalty never led to a Ballon d’Or.
Schuster
This German player was on the podium three times, but never stood on the very top step.
Iniesta
The man France Football believed was due an apology for never having won the prize.
