Only three defenders have won the men’s Ballon d’Or: Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro.
Beckenbauer won twice, in 1972 and 1976, while Sammer won in 1996 and Cannavaro in 2006. Together, they account for four Ballon d’Or victories by defenders.
Beckenbauer remains the only defender to win the award twice, and Cannavaro is the most recent defensive winner. For the complete year-by-year record, see our Ballon d’Or Winners List.
How Many Defenders Have Won the Ballon d’Or?
Three defenders have won the Ballon d’Or.
The number of players and the number of wins are different figures. Beckenbauer’s two awards mean three players have produced four winning editions.
Defenders Who Won the Ballon d’Or
| Defender | Ballon d’Or wins | Winning years |
| Franz Beckenbauer | 2 | 1972, 1976 |
| Matthias Sammer | 1 | 1996 |
| Fabio Cannavaro | 1 | 2006 |
Beckenbauer and Sammer were German liberos, while Cannavaro was an Italian centre-back who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title.
Some players are often miscounted in this list. Lothar Matthäus won the Ballon d’Or in 1990, but he is not included here because his primary role was in midfield. Lev Yashin won in 1963, but he was a goalkeeper rather than a defender.
The Three Defenders Who Won the Ballon d’Or
Franz Beckenbauer — Ballon d’Or Winner in 1972 and 1976
Franz Beckenbauer is the outstanding defensive winner of the Ballon d’Or. He remains the only defender to collect the trophy more than once.
France Football records Beckenbauer’s Ballon d’Or victories in 1972 and 1976. Playing as a libero, he combined defensive positioning with the ability to carry the ball forward, initiate attacks and help dictate the tempo from deep.
He defended, organised the back line, stepped into midfield and carried the ball forward with composure and vision.
In 1972, Beckenbauer helped West Germany win the European Championship and played a leading role for Bayern Munich, who also won the Bundesliga that year.
By 1976, Beckenbauer remained a central figure at Bayern Munich, who completed a third consecutive European Cup triumph. He had also captained West Germany to the 1974 World Cup title, adding to his standing as one of the defining players of his era.
Beckenbauer’s two victories set a benchmark for defenders. His ability to influence matches in possession as well as out of possession helped distinguish him from more traditional defensive roles, and no other defender has matched his two Ballon d’Or wins.
Matthias Sammer — Ballon d’Or Winner in 1996
Sammer won the Ballon d’Or in 1996. He became the second defender after Beckenbauer to take the award.
Like Beckenbauer, he operated as a libero. He was a defender with the range to step out of the back line and shape the game from deep.
His year was exceptional for Germany and for Borussia Dortmund. Germany won Euro 1996, and Sammer was part of that team. Borussia Dortmund won the Bundesliga in the 1995–96 season.
Two major trophies in one season, with Sammer at the heart of both, made a strong case.
Sammer’s victory came 24 years after Beckenbauer’s first Ballon d’Or and 20 years after his second. His 1996 win made him only the second defender to receive the award, underlining how rare the achievement had been.
Fabio Cannavaro — Ballon d’Or Winner in 2006
Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d’Or in 2006 after captaining Italy to the World Cup title. He remains the only defender to have won the men’s award in the 21st century and the most recent defender to claim it.
The year belonged to the World Cup. Cannavaro captained Italy to the 2006 title, and his defensive performances in the tournament were central to his reputation that summer.
Cannavaro’s victory should not be reduced to the World Cup alone. His individual performances and leadership formed part of the case for his selection, while Italy’s tournament success strengthened it. His win remains a rare example of a defender receiving the award after a major international triumph.
Cannavaro’s win stands out in a Ballon d’Or history dominated by attacking players. It showed that an elite defensive campaign, backed by major team success, could still persuade voters to choose a centre-back.
Who Was the First Defender to Win the Ballon d’Or?
Franz Beckenbauer was the first defender to win the Ballon d’Or, in 1972.
His win broke a pattern in which the award mostly went to attacking players. It set a landmark for defensive players that only two others have since reached.
Beckenbauer was the first defender to win the award, although he was not the first winner from a non-attacking position. Goalkeeper Lev Yashin had won the Ballon d’Or in 1963.
Which Defender Has Won the Most Ballon d’Or Awards?
Franz Beckenbauer has won the most Ballon d’Or awards among defenders, with two.
Sammer and Cannavaro each have one. No other defender has reached two. Full details of multiple winners appear in the Ballon d’Or records.
When Was the Last Time a Defender Won the Ballon d’Or?
As of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Fabio Cannavaro remains the most recent defender to win the men’s award. Ousmane Dembélé won the 2025 edition, extending the gap since a defender last claimed the trophy.
Defenders Who Came Close to Winning the Ballon d’Or
Several legendary defenders never won the Ballon d’Or, despite their achievements at club and international level. Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Sergio Ramos are notable examples.
Virgil van Dijk is the clearest recent case. He finished second in 2019, behind Lionel Messi, but did not win.
The point here is not to rank them. It is to show how unusual it is for a defender to win. Players with long careers at the top of the game, major trophies and recognition as the best in their position still finished without the award.
Can a Defender Win the Ballon d’Or Again?
Yes. There is no rule preventing a defender from winning the Ballon d’Or again. Beckenbauer, Sammer and Cannavaro showed that defenders can win when their individual performances stand out and their achievements carry weight on the biggest stages.
A future winner would likely need an exceptional individual season, major team success and sustained recognition from the journalists who vote for the award. A major international tournament could strengthen that case, but it is not a formal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the defenders who won the Ballon d’Or?
Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro are the three defenders to have won the men’s Ballon d’Or.
How many defenders have won the Ballon d’Or?
Three defenders have won the men’s Ballon d’Or: Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro. Together, they account for four wins because Beckenbauer won twice.
Which defender has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Franz Beckenbauer has won the most, with two victories in 1972 and 1976.
Who was the first defender to win the Ballon d’Or?
Franz Beckenbauer was the first defender to win it, in 1972.
Who was the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or?
Fabio Cannavaro was the most recent defender to win the award, in 2006.
Has Paolo Maldini won the Ballon d’Or?
No. Paolo Maldini never won the Ballon d’Or, despite being one of the most decorated defenders in football history.
Has Sergio Ramos won the Ballon d’Or?
No. Sergio Ramos has never won the Ballon d’Or.
Has Virgil van Dijk won the Ballon d’Or?
No. Van Dijk has never won the award, although he finished as runner-up in 2019.
Conclusion
Only three defenders have won the men’s Ballon d’Or: Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro. Beckenbauer won twice, in 1972 and 1976, giving defenders four victories in total.
Sammer added his name to the list in 1996, followed by Cannavaro in 2006. As of the 2025 edition, Cannavaro remains the most recent defender to win the award.
Explore the complete Ballon d’Or Winners List or read our guide to Ballon d’Or records.
