For over thirty years, the FIFA World Player of the Year award has been one of the top honors in football. It was started in 1991 by FIFA, the sport’s main organization, to celebrate the best players every year. From Zinedine Zidane’s amazing skills to Cristiano Ronaldo’s power on the field and Lionel Messi’s unique style, these players are more than just stars, they’re legends.
The award is given to the best male player each year, based on votes from national team coaches and captains. Over the years, it has changed a bit, merging with France Football’s Ballon d’Or before coming back with a new name. These players are from nations who are on our world cup winners list, helping their countries win the most prestigious tournament in world football.
This piece will take you through the list of FIFA football World Player of the Year winners while sharing some memorable moments and changes that have defined this honor.
Histroy of FIFA’s Prestigious Football Award
The early 90s really changed the game for international football. With more media coverage and satellite TV, fans started tuning in to watch not just their national teams but also club matches in Europe and South America. In response to this change, FIFA launched the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1991 to recognize the best male footballer each year.
This award was different from league-specific honors since it looked at player performances on a global scale. It was voted on by national team coaches and captains worldwide, making it a fair and broad choice. It wasn’t only about who won the World Cup but also who consistently shined in club and international play.
This award celebrated not just goals and trophies, but also the impact and consistency players had on the field, whether in the FIFA World Cup football, domestic leagues, or continental matches.
FIFA World Player of the Year Winners List (1991 – 2009)
From 1991 to 2009, the FIFA World Player of the Year award had its original setup. During those years, the list of winners featured a diverse group of amazing players, smart tacticians, skilled dribblers, and deadly strikers. These athletes shone in their clubs and played key roles for their national teams in big events like the football World Cup final.
Image Credit: GettyImages
Below is the official list of award winners between 1991 and 2009:
| Year | Winner | Country | Club(s) |
| 1991 | Lothar Matthäus | Germany | Inter Milan |
| 1992 | Marco van Basten | Netherlands | AC Milan |
| 1993 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | Juventus |
| 1994 | Romário | Brazil | Barcelona / Flamengo |
| 1995 | George Weah | Liberia | AC Milan |
| 1996 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 1997 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | Inter Milan |
| 1998 | Zinedine Zidane | France | Juventus |
| 1999 | Rivaldo | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 2000 | Zinedine Zidane | France | Juventus |
| 2001 | Luís Figo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2002 | Ronaldo Nazário | Brazil | Real Madrid |
| 2003 | Zinedine Zidane | France | Real Madrid |
| 2004 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 2005 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | Barcelona |
| 2006 | Fabio Cannavaro | Italy | Real Madrid |
| 2007 | Kaká | Brazil | AC Milan |
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Manchester United |
| 2009 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
This time really shaped the way we see today’s football stars. Players who won this award became well-known figures, even in places where football wasn’t the main sport. From Romário’s sharp shooting to Zidane’s skills in the midfield, the early days of this award set the standard for individual talent.
Ballon d’Or Winners List (2010 – 2015)
In 2010, FIFA decided to team up with France Football and merge their top awards, creating the FIFA Ballon d’Or. This new award mixed the prestige of both trophies into one. For the next six years, the competition was intense, with players’ performances in every FIFA World Cup match, Champions League, and local leagues really counting in who took home the trophy.
During this time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stood out as the top players. They didn’t just win; they set records and inspired millions.
Here’s a breakdown of FIFA Ballon d’Or winners during this period:
| Year | Winner | Country | Club During Year |
| 2010 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo went beyond just playing football. Their skills not only made club matches more exciting but also got people really into international games, especially during FIFA World Cup cycles. Every match, goal, and assist became part of a bigger story that changed how fans viewed the game in this digital time.
Best FIFA Men’s Player Award List (2016 – Present)
After ending its partnership with France Football in 2016, FIFA brought back its own award called “The Best FIFA Men’s Player.” The name changed, but it kept its respected status. The award still aimed to honor the best footballer each year, and now even included fan votes, giving everyone a say in the results.
This time saw new players shine while still honoring the legends. Luka Modrić stopped the Messi-Ronaldo streak in 2018 by leading Croatia to the FIFA football World Cup final, and Robert Lewandowski’s incredible goal-scoring with Bayern Munich won him two awards in a row during the pandemic years.
Here’s a list of winners from 2016 to 2023:
| Year | Winner | Country | Club(s) During Year |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2017 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Real Madrid |
| 2018 | Luka Modrić | Croatia | Real Madrid |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Barcelona |
| 2020 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Bayern Munich |
| 2021 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Bayern Munich |
| 2022 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | PSG |
| 2023 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Inter Miami / PSG |
Recent champs have shown their skills in both local leagues and international tournaments. A big reason Lionel Messi won his award was his amazing performance at the FIFA World Cup 2022 football matches, where he helped Argentina take home the trophy, adding to his legendary status.
Past FIFA Player of the Year Winners
Every FIFA World Player of the Year has brought something special to the game. Their unique styles, leadership, and charm have made a real impact on football. Take Ronaldo Nazário, for example. In the ’90s, he was a force to be reckoned with. Known as “O Fenômeno,” he had incredible speed, great dribbling skills, and a knack for scoring.
His eight goals in the 2002 FIFA World Cup showed just how dominant he was on the world stage. Then there’s Zinedine Zidane, celebrated for his calmness, control, and vision in the midfield. He played for France and clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid, and he was truly one of the most graceful players to ever step on the field.
Ronaldinho brought a sense of fun and flair to the game that few could match. His joyful smile and amazing footwork made football so entertaining during his heyday at Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo’s athleticism and drive to score made him a superstar, while Lionel Messi’s incredible dribbling and vision often made the game seem so easy.
Insights from the Winners List
Looking at the list of FIFA World Player of the Year winners, it’s clear that Brazil stands out with the most winners, which really shows how much football is a part of their culture. Lately, European players have been taking the lead, showing just how tough European club football has become. It’s also noteworthy that international tournaments are playing a bigger role now.
How players do in events like the World Cup or continental championships now really impacts the voting, with stars like Cannavaro, Modrić, and Messi getting recognized for their work with their national teams.
Image Credit: GettyImages
Influence of Global Competitions on the Award
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest event in football, and it really helps players get recognized. For example, Fabio Cannavaro won in 2006 after leading Italy to victory. Messi’s win in 2022 was because of Argentina’s exciting win in the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
Likewise, Luka Modrić won in 2018 thanks to his amazing leadership that brought Croatia to their first final. These examples make it clear that these international tournaments are where true legends are made and celebrated.
A Legacy of Greatness
The FIFA World Player of the Year award is more than just a name, it recognizes true football talent. Each person on the list has their own story of skill, hard work, and a bit of magic. From Ronaldinho’s flair to Ronaldo’s power, and Modrić’s smart play, every winner has made their mark in football history.
With new stars coming up and fans looking forward to future World Cups, this list reminds us of those who stood out. It’s a tribute to the best in football, a celebration of the game we all love.
People Also Ask About FIFA World Player of the Year
How many times has Lionel Messi won FIFA World Player of the Year?
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star, is often seen as one of the best players ever. He’s earned a total of eight Ballon d’Or awards and three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards during his career, more than anyone else.
Is the Ballon d’Or a FIFA award?
Nope, the Ballon d’Or isn’t a FIFA award. FIFA and France Football worked together on the FIFA Ballon d’Or between 2010 and 2015, but now they give out separate awards. FIFA has its own The Best FIFA Football Awards, while France Football keeps on handing out the Ballon d’Or.
How many times did Ronaldo win FIFA World Player of the Year?
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times. A lot of people checking this page want to know about the FIFA player of the year results. This award was combined with the Ballon d’Or from 2010 to 2015, forming the FIFA Ballon d’Or, but now they are separate awards again.
What trophy has Messi not won?
The one trophy Messi hasn’t won in European football (not counting tournaments he never played in like the Europa League or EFL Trophy) likely doesn’t bother him much.
Who is goat in football, Messi or Ronaldo?
By early 2025, they had won a total of 78 trophies between them for their clubs and countries: Messi with 45 and Ronaldo with 33.
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