Winning football’s most prestigious individual award is difficult enough, but doing so in the same year as a major transfer is an even rarer feat. Several legends have managed to make an immediate impact after switching clubs while also claiming the Ballon d’Or.
Johan Cruyff (1973)
Cruyff left Ajax for Barcelona during the season after helping Ajax win the European Cup. His immediate impact in Spain, combined with his success at Ajax, earned him his second Ballon d’Or.
Ruud Gullit (1987)
After leading PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title, Gullit joined AC Milan as their record signing. He quickly adapted to Serie A and was crowned Europe’s best player with the Ballon d’Or.
George Weah (1995)
Weah finished as the Champions League’s top scorer with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to AC Milan. His performances earned him the Ballon d’Or, making him the first and still only African winner of the award.
Ronaldo Nazário (1997)
Ronaldo enjoyed a phenomenal season at Barcelona, scoring 47 goals before moving to Inter Milan. His club form and performances for Brazil helped him become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner at the time.
Also in the year 2002
Following a difficult spell with injuries at Inter, Ronaldo returned to his best, winning the World Cup and Golden Boot with Brazil. He then joined Real Madrid and secured his second Ballon d’Or.
Luís Figo (2000)
After starring for Barcelona and Portugal, Figo made a controversial move to arch-rivals Real Madrid. He quickly established himself at his new club and won the Ballon d’Or that same year.
Fabio Cannavaro (2006)
Cannavaro captained Italy to World Cup glory before leaving Juventus for Real Madrid following the Calciopoli scandal. He won the Ballon d’Or shortly after arriving in Spain.
Lionel Messi (2021)
Messi won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona and led Argentina to Copa América glory before leaving for PSG. He later claimed his seventh Ballon d’Or.
After winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and a Ligue 1 title with PSG, Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023. He subsequently won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player to claim the award while playing outside Europe.