The Super Ballon d’Or is one of the rarest individual awards in football history. It has been awarded only once, with Alfredo Di Stefano winning the Super Ballon d’Or in 1989.
No second edition has officially been confirmed. However, rumours about a possible Super Ballon d’Or in 2029 have brought the award back into the spotlight, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo frequently mentioned as potential contenders.
So, who has actually won the Super Ballon d’Or, could it return in 2029, and who might win it if it does?
Super Ballon d’Or quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| First awarded | 1989 |
| Super Ballon d’Or winner | Alfredo Di Stefano |
| Organiser | France Football |
| Number of awards | One |
| Next Super Ballon d’Or | Not officially confirmed |
| Super Ballon d’Or 2029 | Rumoured, not officially confirmed |
Who won the Super Ballon d’Or?
Alfredo Di Stefano is the only player to have won the Super Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid legend received the special award in 1989.
Johan Cruyff finished second in the vote, while Michel Platini placed third.
Di Stefano had already won the regular Ballon d’Or twice, in 1957 and 1959, and was one of the defining players of Real Madrid’s dominant European era.
No other Super Ballon d’Or has been awarded since 1989, meaning Di Stefano remains its only official winner.
Super Ballon d’Or 1989 results
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Alfredo Di Stefano |
| 2 | Johan Cruyff |
| 3 | Michel Platini |
When is the next Super Ballon d’Or?
There is currently no officially confirmed date for the next Super Ballon d’Or.
Unlike the regular Ballon d’Or, the Super Ballon d’Or does not have an annual or scheduled award cycle. It was created as a special distinction and has been presented only once.
France Football has not officially announced another edition or published rules for when the award could return.
This means claims that the next Super Ballon d’Or will definitely take place in 2029 should currently be treated as speculation rather than confirmed information.
Super Ballon d’Or 2029: Is it really happening?
The possibility of a Super Ballon d’Or 2029 has generated considerable discussion online, particularly because 2029 would mark 40 years since Alfredo Di Stefano received the original award.
Lionel Messi is frequently presented as the leading candidate, while Cristiano Ronaldo is another name commonly included in hypothetical rankings and discussions.
However, there is an important distinction between online speculation and an official announcement.
France Football has not officially confirmed a Super Ballon d’Or ceremony for 2029, nor has it announced candidates, voting criteria or a shortlist.
As a result, supposed Super Ballon d’Or 2029 rankings should not be treated as official standings.
Who could win the Super Ballon d’Or 2029?
If the award were revived, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would inevitably be central to the discussion because of their extraordinary individual records and longevity.
Messi holds the all-time record with eight Ballon d’Or wins, while Ronaldo has won the award five times.
That does not make either player an official Super Ballon d’Or candidate. Without confirmation of another award, there is currently no official shortlist or ranking.
Messi vs Ronaldo for the Super Ballon d’Or
| Player | Ballon d’Or wins | Super Ballon d’Or wins |
| Lionel Messi | 8 | 0 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 0 |
| Alfredo Di Stefano | 2 | 1 |
If France Football were to revive the award as recognition of sustained excellence over a long period, Messi and Ronaldo would have obvious cases based on their careers.
Any attempt to declare a winner now, however, would be purely speculative because the criteria for a future Super Ballon d’Or have not been announced.
Has Lionel Messi won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Lionel Messi has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
Messi is the record holder for the regular Ballon d’Or with eight victories, but the two awards should not be confused.
The only official Super Ballon d’Or winner remains Alfredo Di Stefano.
Claims describing Messi as a Super Ballon d’Or winner or confirmed 2029 winner are therefore incorrect.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo has not won the Super Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo has five regular Ballon d’Or titles but no Super Ballon d’Or.
Like Messi, he is frequently included in discussions about who could win the award if France Football ever decides to revive it.
Super Ballon d’Or ranking: Is there an official list?
There is currently no official Super Ballon d’Or ranking for 2029 or any other future edition.
Rankings featuring Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe or other players are hypothetical lists produced by media outlets, creators or football fans.
Until France Football announces another edition and publishes its selection process, these lists should be viewed as predictions rather than official rankings.
Ballon d’Or vs Super Ballon d’Or: What’s the difference?
The Ballon d’Or is an annual individual football award. The Super Ballon d’Or, by contrast, is an exceptional award that has been presented only once.
The regular Ballon d’Or recognises performance over a defined competitive period. The 1989 Super Ballon d’Or was designed to recognise exceptional achievement across a much longer period.
This is why winning multiple Ballon d’Or trophies does not automatically mean a player has won the Super Ballon d’Or.
FAQ
What is the Super Ballon d’Or?
The Super Ballon d’Or is a special football award associated with France Football. Unlike the annual Ballon d’Or, it has been awarded only once, in 1989.
Who won the Super Ballon d’Or?
Alfredo Di Stefano is the only Super Ballon d’Or winner. The Real Madrid legend received the award in 1989, ahead of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini.
When is the next Super Ballon d’Or?
There is currently no confirmed date for another Super Ballon d’Or. France Football has not announced a regular schedule or officially confirmed a second edition.
Will there be a Super Ballon d’Or in 2029?
A Super Ballon d’Or in 2029 has been widely discussed online, but it has not been officially confirmed by France Football. For now, 2029 should be treated as speculation.
Who will win the Super Ballon d’Or 2029?
There is no official 2029 competition or shortlist yet. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are frequently discussed as potential contenders, but neither is an officially confirmed candidate.
Has Messi won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Lionel Messi has won the regular Ballon d’Or eight times but has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
Has Ronaldo won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo has five Ballon d’Or titles but has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
How many Super Ballon d’Or winners are there?
There has been only one Super Ballon d’Or winner: Alfredo Di Stefano in 1989. The award has not been presented again since then.
Is there a Super Ballon d’Or 2029 ranking?
No official Super Ballon d’Or 2029 ranking exists. Lists circulating online are predictions or fan rankings rather than official standings published by France Football.
What is the difference between the Ballon d’Or and Super Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is awarded regularly for elite individual performance. The Super Ballon d’Or is a special long-term distinction that has been awarded only once.
Can you buy the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. The Super Ballon d’Or is an official football distinction rather than an award that can be purchased.
