Alfredo Di Stéfano is the only official Super Ballon d’Or winner. The Real Madrid legend received the extraordinary France Football award in December 1989, and no second edition has been announced.
Interest in the trophy has surged again in October 2026, partly because of the new B.O.A.T. (Ballon d’Or Of All Time) fan vote. However, the two should not be confused: the B.O.A.T. is an online poll, not a new Super Ballon d’Or award.
Meanwhile, speculation about a Super Ballon d’Or 2029 continues. Lionel Messi leads our hypothetical ranking ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, but France Football has confirmed neither a 2029 ceremony nor any official nominees.
Below, we explain the 1989 winner and results, the current BOAT vote, our Super Ballon d’Or 2029 predictions, the next possible award date and what would need to happen before another winner could be crowned.
Super Ballon d’Or Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who won the Super Ballon d’Or? | Alfredo Di Stéfano |
| When was it awarded? | December 1989 |
| How many official winners are there? | One |
| Who awarded the trophy? | France Football |
| Who finished second in 1989? | Johan Cruyff |
| Who finished third? | Michel Platini |
| Is there a Super Ballon d’Or vote in 2026? | No – the current BOAT vote is separate |
| When does BOAT voting close? | October 27, 2026 |
| When are BOAT results announced? | October 28, 2026 |
| When is the next Super Ballon d’Or? | No confirmed date |
| Will there be a Super Ballon d’Or in 2029? | Not officially confirmed |
| Is there an official 2029 ranking? | No |
| Who leads our hypothetical 2029 ranking? | Lionel Messi |
The key distinction: There is no rule requiring the Super Ballon d’Or to be awarded every 10, 20 or 40 years.
Super Ballon d’Or 2029 Ranking: Who Could Win?
There is no official Super Ballon d’Or 2029 ranking. France Football has not announced another edition, published eligibility criteria or named any nominees.
However, a hypothetical ranking can help answer the question many football fans are asking: who would deserve the next Super Ballon d’Or if the historic trophy returned?
Our editorial assessment considers four broad factors:
- Individual excellence across multiple seasons.
- Major international and club achievements.
- Longevity and consistency at the highest level.
- Influence on football across a generation.
These are PlayersRanked editorial criteria, not rules published by France Football.
Our Hypothetical Super Ballon d’Or 2029 Top 5
| Rank | Player | Ballon d’Or titles | Why he ranks here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | 8 | Record individual awards, World Cup success and sustained excellence |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | Exceptional goalscoring, longevity and Champions League achievements |
| 3 | Zinedine Zidane | 1 | World Cup winner and defining midfielder of his era |
| 4 | Ronaldo Nazário | 2 | Two Ballon d’Or wins, World Cup success and exceptional peak performances |
| 5 | Ronaldinho | 1 | Outstanding individual peak and enormous cultural influence |
This is a hypothetical editorial ranking, not an official shortlist or prediction issued by France Football.
1. Lionel Messi – Our Predicted Super Ballon d’Or Winner
Lionel Messi is our first choice if a future Super Ballon d’Or were designed to recognise the greatest player of the modern era.
His case combines a record eight regular Ballon d’Or victories, four Champions League titles and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
Messi also maintained an exceptional level of performance across many seasons, contributing both goals and creative play.
Under a career-achievement model, he would have a particularly strong case.
However, Messi has not won the Super Ballon d’Or, and he has not been officially nominated for a future edition.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – The Strongest Challenger
Cristiano Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or titles and extraordinary goalscoring record make him an obvious contender in any hypothetical all-time debate.
His career includes five Champions League titles, the 2016 European Championship with Portugal and major success in multiple domestic leagues.
Ronaldo also maintained elite-level performance across an unusually long career.
Whether Messi or Ronaldo would win a hypothetical new Super Ballon d’Or depends on the criteria France Football might choose.
3. Zinedine Zidane – The Big-Game Argument
Zinedine Zidane won the 1998 Ballon d’Or and was central to France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories.
His technical quality, leadership and performances in major finals give him a distinctive case.
Zidane ranks third in our editorial assessment because of his influence and success on football’s biggest stages.
4. Ronaldo Nazário – The Peak-Performance Argument
Ronaldo Nazário won the regular Ballon d’Or in 1997 and 2002.
His combination of speed, skill and finishing ability made him one of the defining forwards of his generation.
His performances at the 2002 World Cup, where Brazil won the title, remain central to his legacy.
5. Ronaldinho – The Influence Argument
Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and played a major role in Barcelona’s resurgence during the mid-2000s.
His technical creativity, individual brilliance and influence on future generations justify his inclusion in our top five.
Unlike Messi and Ronaldo, he does not have the same number of individual awards or the same career longevity.
His case rests more heavily on his peak and impact on the game.
How Reliable Is This 2029 Ranking?
It is an informed editorial exercise, not a forecast based on confirmed selection rules.
The biggest uncertainty is the potential eligibility period.
If France Football assessed only players who rose to prominence after 1989, the field might look similar to our list. If it considered all previous Ballon d’Or winners or adopted another historical period, the candidates could be different.
No player in our top five has been officially nominated for a Super Ballon d’Or 2029.
Super Ballon d’Or Vote 2026: What Is the BOAT?
The B.O.A.T. (Ballon d’Or Of All Time) is an official fan vote launched on October 1, 2026.
Supporters can select their favourite Ballon d’Or-winning season from a group of ten players who have won the annual award at least twice.
For example, Lionel Messi’s 2012 victory and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 victory are treated as separate voting choices.
This is different from simply selecting the greatest player.
The vote is organised through the official Ballon d’Or website.
How to Vote for the Ballon d’Or Of All Time
- Visit the official BOAT voting page.
- Register or log in to an account.
- Choose a player and a specific Ballon d’Or-winning year.
- Complete the required €1 purchase for your entry.
- Confirm your selection.
| Voting detail | BOAT 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Ballon d’Or Of All Time |
| Voting opened | October 1, 2026 |
| Voting closes | October 27, 2026, 23:59 Paris time |
| Results announced | October 28, 2026 |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Account required | Yes |
| Cost | €1 per entry |
| Multiple votes allowed | Yes, with a separate payment for each entry |
| What fans select | A particular Ballon d’Or-winning season |
| Physical Super Ballon d’Or awarded? | No |
The €1 payment is linked to a downloadable historic photograph and access to community benefits. Eligible participants also enter a prize draw for two tickets to the 2027 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Full details are available in the official voting terms and conditions.
Which Players Are Included in the BOAT Vote?
The vote features ten players who have won the regular Ballon d’Or at least twice.
| Player | Ballon d’Or wins | Winning years |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 8 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 5 | 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 |
| Michel Platini | 3 | 1983, 1984, 1985 |
| Johan Cruyff | 3 | 1971, 1973, 1974 |
| Marco van Basten | 3 | 1988, 1989, 1992 |
| Alfredo Di Stéfano | 2 | 1957, 1959 |
| Franz Beckenbauer | 2 | 1972, 1976 |
| Ronaldo Nazário | 2 | 1997, 2002 |
| Karl-Heinz Rummenigge | 2 | 1980, 1981 |
| Kevin Keegan | 2 | 1978, 1979 |
These are BOAT voting options, not nominees for a new Super Ballon d’Or.
A player may appear multiple times because each Ballon d’Or-winning season is a separate choice.
Who Is Leading the BOAT Vote?
The official Ballon d’Or website previously reported that Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 season led the fan poll.
At one stage, it held approximately 75% of the reported vote.
The organisers subsequently removed visible voting percentages to preserve suspense before the deadline.
That figure is a historical snapshot, not a final result.
The official BOAT results are scheduled for October 28, 2026. The organisers have said they will publish the top three, vote totals and full results breakdown.
For updates, see Ballon d’Or: Who will be the BOAT?.
Is BOAT the New Super Ballon d’Or?
No. The Ballon d’Or organisers have explicitly confirmed that BOAT and the Super Ballon d’Or are separate initiatives.
The Super Ballon d’Or was a physical, official trophy awarded in 1989.
BOAT is a digital fan vote. It does not create another Super Ballon d’Or winner.
| Feature | Super Ballon d’Or | BOAT 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Historic special award | Fan poll |
| First held | 1989 | 2026 |
| Physical trophy | Yes | No |
| Voting system | Expert jury, former winners and readers | Paid public vote |
| Winner | Alfredo Di Stéfano | Results scheduled for October 28 |
| Official second Super Ballon d’Or? | Not announced | No |
This distinction matters when interpreting searches for Super Ballon d’Or votes, Super Ballon d’Or voting 2029 or next Super Ballon d’Or winner.
The BOAT vote does not confirm that the historical award will return in 2029.
Read the official explanation of BOAT versus the Super Ballon d’Or.
Who Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
Alfredo Di Stéfano won the only Super Ballon d’Or in December 1989.
France Football presented the award to the Real Madrid legend in recognition of extraordinary achievements over a longer period than the regular annual Ballon d’Or.
Di Stéfano had already won the annual award in 1957 and 1959.
He was a central figure in Real Madrid’s five consecutive European Cup victories from 1956 to 1960.
Complete Super Ballon d’Or Winners List
| Year | Winner | Regular Ballon d’Or titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | 2 |
No second official winner exists.
Super Ballon d’Or 1989 Ranking
| Rank | Player | Regular Ballon d’Or titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | 2 |
| 2 | Johan Cruyff | 3 |
| 3 | Michel Platini | 3 |
These are the historical results of the only official Super Ballon d’Or election.
They should not be confused with a modern hypothetical ranking or the 2026 BOAT fan poll.
How Did the 1989 Voting Work?
The original award involved several voting groups, including:
- France Football experts and journalists.
- Former Ballon d’Or winners.
- Readers and members of the public.
The groups did not necessarily agree.
Michel Platini performed strongly in the public vote, while Di Stéfano prevailed in the overall selection.
That historical system does not establish how a future Super Ballon d’Or would be awarded.
France Football has not published new eligibility or voting rules for another edition.
When Is the Next Super Ballon d’Or?
There is no confirmed date for the next Super Ballon d’Or.
The only ceremony took place in December 1989.
France Football has not announced another edition, a regular schedule or an official shortlist.
| Question | Current status |
|---|---|
| Next Super Ballon d’Or date | Not announced |
| Next ceremony location | Not announced |
| Official nominees | None |
| Official ranking | None |
| Confirmed next winner | None |
| Voting rules | Not published |
| Super Ballon d’Or 2029 | Unconfirmed |
The BOAT vote in October 2026 does not change the status of the historic award.
Is the Super Ballon d’Or Awarded Every 40 Years?
No. There is no official rule requiring a new Super Ballon d’Or every 40 years.
The theory comes from the gap between the original 1989 award and the year 2029.
A 40th anniversary is not an automatic award date.
The same applies to claims that the trophy is awarded every 10, 20 or 30 years.
Super Ballon d’Or 2029: Date, Nominees and Predictions
A possible Super Ballon d’Or 2029 has become a popular topic among football fans.
The idea is straightforward: 2029 would mark 40 years since Alfredo Di Stéfano received the original trophy.
However, France Football has not confirmed that another Super Ballon d’Or will be presented.
There is currently no official:
- ceremony date or venue;
- list of nominees;
- shortlist of candidates;
- ranking or standings;
- voting process;
- announcement of a future winner.
Super Ballon d’Or 2029 Votes: Can Fans Vote?
No official Super Ballon d’Or 2029 voting process exists.
The current BOAT vote is a separate 2026 initiative.
Its participation rules, eligible players and results cannot be used to predict how a hypothetical 2029 Super Ballon d’Or would be decided.
If France Football announces another edition, the eligibility rules and voting process would need to be published before any official voting could take place.
Who Will Win the Super Ballon d’Or 2029?
No winner can be named because no 2029 edition has been announced.
In our hypothetical ranking, Lionel Messi is the leading candidate, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
This assessment reflects their achievements and influence, not a France Football nomination.
A new award could use criteria that differ significantly from our editorial model.
Messi vs Ronaldo: Who Would Win the Super Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two most prominent names in discussions about a possible modern Super Ballon d’Or.
| Category | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Ballon d’Or titles | 8 | 5 |
| First Ballon d’Or | 2009 | 2008 |
| Most recent Ballon d’Or | 2023 | 2017 |
| Super Ballon d’Or titles | 0 | 0 |
| Official 2029 nomination | None | None |
| Included in BOAT 2026 | Yes | Yes |
Has Messi Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Lionel Messi has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
His eight regular Ballon d’Or awards are a separate achievement.
He is our leading hypothetical candidate for a possible future edition, but no official nomination exists.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
His five regular Ballon d’Or victories do not include the special 1989 trophy.
His strong showing in the BOAT fan poll does not make him an official Super Ballon d’Or winner.
Does the BOAT Result Decide Messi vs Ronaldo for 2029?
No.
The BOAT poll asks fans to choose a favourite Ballon d’Or-winning season.
A future Super Ballon d’Or, if announced, might use a different electorate, assessment period and criteria.
The two results cannot be treated as interchangeable.
Ballon d’Or vs Super Ballon d’Or vs BOAT: Key Differences
| Feature | Ballon d’Or | Super Ballon d’Or | BOAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Recognise elite performance in a defined period | Honour exceptional historical achievement | Fan-selected Ballon d’Or-winning season |
| First edition | 1956 | 1989 | 2026 |
| Frequency | Annual | No established cycle | No recurring schedule confirmed |
| Voting | Specialist jury | Historical combined electorate | Public fan vote |
| Physical trophy | Yes | Yes | No |
| Historic winner / record holder | Messi: eight titles | Di Stéfano: one title | Results pending |
| Official annual award? | Yes | No | No |
The regular Ballon d’Or continues to be awarded every year.
For the latest confirmed results, read our Ballon d’Or 2026 winners and ceremony guide.
You can also explore our Ballon d’Or 2026 rankings and predictions and our Women’s Ballon d’Or analysis.
What Happened to the Original Super Ballon d’Or Trophy?
Alfredo Di Stéfano’s historic trophy remained associated with his legacy for decades.
After his death, it was included in an auction of career memorabilia.
In 2021, the original Super Ballon d’Or was sold for US$187,500.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trophy | Original 1989 Super Ballon d’Or |
| Recipient | Alfredo Di Stéfano |
| Auction year | 2021 |
| Recorded sale price | US$187,500 |
| Auction house | Julien’s Auctions |
| Buyer | Not publicly identified |
| Current location | Not publicly confirmed |
The currency matters: the documented sale price is in US dollars, not British pounds.
Source: Julien’s Auctions – Alfredo Di Stéfano’s Super Ballon d’Or.
Can You Buy a Super Ballon d’Or?
A new official Super Ballon d’Or cannot be purchased.
The original 1989 trophy was a historical award, not a commercially available product.
However, the original object was sold on the collectors’ market in 2021.
Replicas and decorative football trophies should not be confused with Di Stéfano’s authentic award.
Why Is the Super Ballon d’Or So Rare?
The Super Ballon d’Or was never established as another annual football prize.
France Football awarded it in 1989 to recognise an exceptional career across decades.
No second edition followed.
Its rarity has contributed to its legendary status and helped fuel speculation about a possible 2029 return.
The BOAT initiative demonstrates public interest in historical Ballon d’Or winners, but it does not establish that the original trophy will return.
Final Verdict: The Super Ballon d’Or and Its Future
The Super Ballon d’Or has one official winner: Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989.
Our hypothetical 2029 ranking places Lionel Messi first, Cristiano Ronaldo second and Zinedine Zidane third. None has been officially nominated for a new edition.
The October 2026 BOAT fan vote is a separate event. Fans can choose their favourite historical Ballon d’Or-winning season, with the results scheduled for October 28.
There is still no confirmed date, shortlist or voting system for another Super Ballon d’Or.
Until France Football announces a second edition, every Super Ballon d’Or 2029 prediction remains hypothetical.
Super Ballon d’Or FAQ
What Is the Super Ballon d’Or?
The Super Ballon d’Or is a special football award presented by France Football only once, in 1989. Alfredo Di Stéfano received the trophy for extraordinary long-term achievement.
Who Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
Alfredo Di Stéfano is the only winner. He finished ahead of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini in the 1989 selection.
How Many Super Ballon d’Or Winners Are There?
There has been only one official winner: Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989. No second edition has been announced.
What Is the Super Ballon d’Or 2029 Ranking?
There is no official ranking for 2029. PlayersRanked’s hypothetical top five consists of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho.
Who Will Win the Super Ballon d’Or 2029?
No official winner or candidates exist. Lionel Messi leads our editorial prediction, but a Super Ballon d’Or 2029 has not been confirmed.
When Is the Next Super Ballon d’Or?
There is no official date for another Super Ballon d’Or. The award has been presented only once, in December 1989.
Will There Be a Super Ballon d’Or in 2029?
A 2029 ceremony has not been announced. The speculation is connected to the 40th anniversary of the original award.
Can You Vote for the Super Ballon d’Or in 2026?
No. The current BOAT vote is a separate fan poll and does not award another Super Ballon d’Or.
What Is the BOAT Ballon d’Or Vote?
BOAT stands for Ballon d’Or Of All Time. Fans select their favourite winning season among players who have received the regular Ballon d’Or at least twice.
How Much Does BOAT Voting Cost?
Each BOAT entry requires a €1 purchase. Participants must be at least 18 years old and register for an account.
When Will the BOAT 2026 Results Be Announced?
The official BOAT results are scheduled for October 28, 2026, following the voting deadline on October 27.
Is BOAT the Same as the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. BOAT is a public fan vote without a new physical trophy. The Super Ballon d’Or was a historic award presented to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989.
Has Messi Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Lionel Messi has won eight regular Ballon d’Or awards but has never received the Super Ballon d’Or.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo Won the Super Ballon d’Or?
No. Cristiano Ronaldo has five regular Ballon d’Or titles but has never won the Super Ballon d’Or.
Is the Super Ballon d’Or Awarded Every 40 Years?
No. France Football has not established a 40-year cycle or any other recurring schedule.
What Is the Difference Between the Ballon d’Or and Super Ballon d’Or?
The regular Ballon d’Or is awarded annually, while the Super Ballon d’Or is a special historical trophy awarded only once in 1989.
Can You Buy the Super Ballon d’Or?
A new official Super Ballon d’Or cannot be bought. The original 1989 trophy was auctioned in 2021 for US$187,500.
