Often hailed as one of the most prestigious awards in the history of professional football, the Ballon d’Or is nothing short of a dream for the majority of football players out there. Despite unleashing their finest potential on the field, numerous popular footballers haven’t been able to clinch the award, speaking volumes about the unmatched excellence required to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or award.
The Ballon d’Or award was introduced 68 years ago on 18 December 1956 and, ever since, has been one of the most prestigious and star-studded honours for football players. As of July 2025, Lionel Messi has clinched the highest total of eight Ballon d’Or awards. Have you ever wondered about the oldest football players who have clinched the coveted Ballon d’Or award? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four oldest football players who have clinched the Ballon d’Or award.
Top 4 Oldest Ballon d’Or Award Winners in the History of Football
Sir Stanley Matthews – 41 Years
Often hailed as one of the greatest football players of all-time, the late legendary English professional football player Sir Stanley Matthews is at the first spot in our list of the top four oldest football players who defied the odds of age and clinched the Ballon d’Or award. Widely regarded as the “King of Dribble”, Sir Stanley Matthews played professional football till the age of fifty, speaking volumes about his unmatched fitness regime and hardcore training. Sir Stanley Matthews became an inaugural inductee to the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Throughout his glorious football career that lasted from 1934 to 1957, Sir Stanley Matthews clinched a record total of 54 caps for England, playing in the FIFA World Cup in 1950 and 1954, and winning nine British Home Championship titles. Owing to his successful exploits on the field, Sir Stanley Matthews was honoured with the Ballon d’Or award at the age of forty-one on 18 December 1956.
Lionel Messi – 36 Years
At the second spot in our list of the top four oldest football players who have clinched the Ballon d’Or award we have the legendary Argentine professional football player Lionel Messi, who currently plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Often hailed as one of the greatest football players of all-time, Lionel Messi has claimed numerous prestigious titles and awards, including eight Ballon d’Ors, six European Golden Shoes, and eight times being named the world’s best player by FIFA.
Lionel Messi received his Ballon d’Or in 2023 at the age of 36 years making him the second-oldest player to clinch the award. With over 850 senior career goals and over 380 assists for club and country, Lionel Messi has also clinched the highest total of 45 team trophies.
Karim Benzema – 34 Years, 9 Months
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four oldest football players who defied the odds of age and clinched the Ballon d’Or award, we have the French professional football player Karim Benzema, who plays as a striker for and captains Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad.
Often hailed as one of the greatest strikers of all-time, Karim Benzema has clinched a phenomenal total of 25 trophies with Real Madrid, including four La Liga, three Copa del Rey, and five UEFA Champions League titles as of July 2025, establishing himself as one of the most successful football players in the world. Owing to his dominant exploits on the field, Karim Benzema was honoured with the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2022 at the age of 34 years and nine months, making him the third-oldest football player to receive the prestigious award.
Lev Yashin – 34 Years, 1 Month
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four oldest football players who have clinched the Ballon d’Or award, we have the late legendary Soviet professional footballer Lev Yashin, who is still hailed as one of the most prominent and influential players in the history of the game so far.
Widely regarded as one of the most prolific goalkeepers of all-time, Lev Yashin created history, establishing himself as the first and the only goalkeeper to clinch a Ballon d’Or in 1963 at the age of thirty-four years and one month, also establishing himself as the fourth-oldest football player to receive the coveted honour. Owing to his path-breaking dominance on the field, Lev Yashin was also appointed as the deputy chairman of the Football Federation of the Soviet Union.
