Footballers you forgot were once nominated for the Ballon d'Or

 

Footballers you forgot were once nominated for the Ballon d'Or Everyone knows the big names: Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane—the Ballon d'Or elite. Yet football history is littered with unexpected players who, for one fleeting moment, crashed the golden party. A breakout tournament, an exceptional season, or pure momentum propelled these players into the spotlight alongside the legends only to fade from the conversation just as fast. Here are 15 forgotten names who once graced the Ballon d'Or race:

Hatem Trabelsi (2003) The Tunisian full-back, blazing with speed and skill. His Ballon d’Or nomination highlighted his dynamic wing play, proving talent knows no borders.

Henrik Larsson (2001) Celtic legend. Larsson's phenomenal 53-goal haul in 2000–01, per Celtic records, cemented his place among football's elite. Though he didn’t claim the award, his nomination was richly deserved, marking him as a true cult hero.

Milan Baroš (2004) Czech dynamo and Euro 2004's top scorer. Baroš’s Golden Boot heroics stunned Europe, securing his place among the elite — a reminder that even underdogs can make a huge impact.

Luis García (2005) The king of Istanbul. Luis García’s Champions League heroics were pure wizardry, conjuring clutch goals that defied logic. His Ballon d’Or nomination? A roaring salute for stealing the spotlight.

Jens Lehmann (2006) Charismatic goalkeeper, master of trash talk, and sometimes nutmeg victim — Lehmann’s bold antics and standout performances in ‘06 earned him a Ballon d’Or nod. Who needs clean sheets when you’re this unforgettable?

Frederic Kanouté (2007) Sevilla’s stealthy striker, slipping goals past keepers like a panther in the shadows. No fuss, no flair—just results. His nomination was the football world’s quiet nod: “Watch this guy.”

El Hadji Diouf (2002) Polarizing yet electrifying, Diouf was Senegal’s World Cup spark — scoring, hustling, provoking. Controversy clung to him, but so did a Ballon d’Or nod. Being a charismatic disruptor has its rewards.

Asamoah Gyan (2010) Ghana’s dynamic striker, Gyan’s World Cup brilliance earned him a Ballon d’Or nod. He nearly became a national icon, but a fateful miss left a lasting scar. Still, a top-10 finish is no small feat.

Hidetoshi Nakata (2001) Japan’s pioneering global football icon. Nakata’s fluid dribbling and poise in Serie A elevated Asian football’s visibility. His nomination marked a milestone, reflecting the sport’s gradually widening global reach.

Nani (2011) The winger with dazzling flicks, tricks, and a knack for jaw-dropping moments, Nani lit up 2011 with flair that earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination — showing brilliance can outshine occasional inconsistency.

Michael Laudrup (1986, 1990, 1991, 1992) Denmark’s elegant maestro. Laudrup blended seamless skill with sharp footballing intellect, shining at clubs like Barcelona and Juventus. Repeated nominations highlighted the admiration for his understated brilliance, though he never quite reached the podium.

Jay-Jay Okocha (1995) The African wizard who electrified the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 with his flair. Okocha’s mesmerizing skills and inventive playstyle captivated fans, earning him a rare nomination among the era’s more practical stars.

Mario Balotelli (2012) "Why always me?" Balotelli was football's ultimate enigma—equal parts brilliance and chaos. His Ballon d’Or nomination proved that even the sport's elite couldn't resist the magnetic pull of his talent and unpredictability.

Jari Litmanen (1996) The Finnish maestro who epitomized Ajax’s mid-90s dominance. His vision and skill were crucial to their Champions League success, securing him third place in the Ballon d'Or and a rare spotlight for a player from a lesser-known football nation, as noted by These Football Times.

John Jensen (1992) Remember the Euro '92 final winner? Probably not, but John Jensen does—and so did the Ballon d’Or voters. Arsenal’s tireless Danish midfielder earned a surprise nomination, even if he always seemed slightly winded.

See also: Team by team review of Premier League season