While the Ballon d’Or celebrates the world’s best footballers each year, some of the game’s brightest stars have come agonizingly close to winning the award yet walked away empty-handed. Recent voting history highlights a handful of players who, despite remarkable seasons, could not claim football’s most coveted individual prize.
Leading the list is Virgil van Dijk, who in 2019 earned a staggering 679 votes for his commanding performances with Liverpool, helping the club lift the UEFA Champions League. The Dutch defender’s dominance at the back and leadership qualities were widely praised, yet Lionel Messi ultimately claimed the award, leaving van Dijk as one of the most celebrated runners-up in history.
Antoine Griezmann is another high-profile near-miss. His heroics for France during the 2018 World Cup, combined with his consistent form for Atlético Madrid, garnered 612 votes, placing him among the top vote-getters. Still, the Ballon d’Or went to Luka Modrić, leaving Griezmann to reflect on a career-defining but narrowly missed triumph.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski also features prominently. Known for his relentless goal-scoring for both club and country, Lewandowski amassed 580 votes in 2021 after a sensational season that included over 50 goals. Despite this, Messi again edged him out, underscoring how fiercely competitive the award has become.
Midfielder Jorginho also came close in 2021, collecting 460 votes following a year of exceptional success with Chelsea, winning the Champions League, and guiding Italy to victory at Euro 2020. His instrumental role in both campaigns, however, was not enough to overcome Messi’s magic.
Read Also: King Charles III Urges Beatrice And Eugenie To ‘Stand Alone’
Finally, Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker known for his incredible scoring rate, received 375 votes. While he has yet to claim the Ballon d’Or, his consistent performances across Europe’s top leagues suggest he remains a strong contender in future editions.
These near-misses highlight the narrow margins that define football excellence. While the ultimate accolade eluded them, their high vote totals reflect global recognition of their talent, influence, and impact on the pitch — a reminder that sometimes, being in the conversation alone is an achievement in itself.