Manchester United has four Ballon d’Or wins, shared by four different players. They are Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first three wins came in the 1960s, in 1964, 1966 and 1968. Ronaldo’s award followed in 2008.
This guide covers all four Manchester United Ballon d’Or winners and explains how the club’s total is counted. For the complete record of every recipient, see our Ballon d’Or winners list.
Manchester United Ballon d’Or Winners List
The four Manchester United Ballon d’Or winners, listed by year of the award, are shown below.
| Year | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Denis Law | Scotland |
| 1966 | Bobby Charlton | England |
| 1968 | George Best | Northern Ireland |
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal |
How the total is counted: Each Ballon d’Or win is credited to the club the player represented when the award was presented. This approach determines which wins count toward Manchester United’s total, even if a player later won the award while representing another club.
The year shown is the award year, not necessarily the season in which the player produced the performances that influenced voters.
Every Manchester United Ballon d’Or Winner Explained
Denis Law — 1964
Denis Law became the first Manchester United player to win the Ballon d’Or when he claimed the 1964 award.
Law helped Manchester United win the FA Cup in 1963, his first major trophy with the club. His movement, sharp finishing and ability to find space in the penalty area made him a key figure in Matt Busby’s rebuilding side.
His 1964 Ballon d’Or made him the first Scottish player to win the award. It also gave United their first winner, beginning a run of three victories in the 1960s.
Bobby Charlton — 1966
Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in 1966. It was the second win for Manchester United.
Charlton was a technically gifted attacker who could play in midfield or further forward. He was known for his passing range and his powerful, accurate shooting from distance.
Charlton survived the Munich air disaster in 1958 and returned to become a central figure in Manchester United’s recovery. Under Matt Busby, he helped the club rebuild into a major force in English and European football, including its league title in 1964–65.
The 1966 award came in the same year that England won the World Cup. Charlton played a major role in that triumph, scoring twice in the semi-final against Portugal before England beat West Germany in the final.
His Ballon d’Or recognised his standing in world football during a landmark year for both Charlton and English football.
George Best — 1968
George Best won the Ballon d’Or in 1968. He was the third Manchester United player to receive the award.
Best was a remarkable dribbler. His balance, close control and creativity allowed him to beat defenders in tight spaces.
He also had a real eye for goal. That mix of flair and end product made him hard to contain.
Best’s 1968 Ballon d’Or followed Manchester United’s European Cup triumph. United beat Benfica 4–1 after extra time at Wembley, with Best scoring during the decisive period of the final.
The victory made United the first English club to lift the European Cup. Best’s performances that season helped establish him as one of the defining talents of his generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo — 2008
Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 as a young winger. During his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, he developed into a prolific attacker capable of deciding matches through his pace, movement and finishing.
His 2007–08 campaign was the defining season of his first spell at Old Trafford. United won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, with Ronaldo playing a central role in their success.
In the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow, Ronaldo scored United’s goal in normal time before the match was decided by a penalty shootout. His performances across the season helped secure the 2008 Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo won five Ballon d’Or awards in his career. Only one came while he represented Manchester United.
The others were presented while he played for other clubs, so they do not count toward United’s total. For the full picture, read our guide to Ballon d’Or records.
Which Manchester United Player Has Won the Most Ballon d’Or Awards?
No Manchester United player has won the Ballon d’Or more than once while representing the club. Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo each have one qualifying win.
Ronaldo won four more Ballon d’Or awards during his career, but those wins are credited to other clubs under the counting method used in this article. See our guide to football clubs with the most Ballon d’Or wins for the wider comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Manchester United won?
Manchester United has won four men’s Ballon d’Or awards, through Denis Law in 1964, Bobby Charlton in 1966, George Best in 1968 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Who was the first Manchester United player to win the Ballon d’Or?
Denis Law, who won the award in 1964.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo win the Ballon d’Or at Manchester United?
Yes. Ronaldo won the 2008 Ballon d’Or while playing for Manchester United.
When was the last time a Manchester United player won the Ballon d’Or?
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, under the club-at-presentation counting method.
Which Manchester United player has won the most Ballon d’Or awards for the club?
Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo have one qualifying win each. Ronaldo’s other Ballon d’Or wins are not credited to Manchester United.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s four Ballon d’Or wins came through Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo. Three arrived during the 1960s, while Ronaldo ended the club’s 40-year wait in 2008. For the complete history of the award, explore our Ballon d’Or winners list.
