Ballon d’Or: Three Most Nominated Players Revealed

France Football, the organisers of the Ballon d’Or, have revealed the three players with the most nominations in the history of the prestigious award.

The information was shared on the organisation’s social media pages on Wednesday as part of the build-up to the announcement of the nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most nominations, having been shortlisted 18 times. The Manchester United legend has won the award five times.

Argentina icon Lionel Messi is second on the list with 16 nominations. However, Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times, making him the most successful player in the history of the award.

Italy legend Paolo Maldini completes the top three with 13 nominations. Despite being shortlisted on numerous occasions, the former AC Milan defender never won the individual prize.

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Maldini’s best finish came in 1995 when he finished second behind Liberia and AC Milan legend George Weah.

Most Ballon d’Or Nominations

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 18 nominations
2. Lionel Messi – 16 nominations
3. Paolo Maldini – 13 nominations