Ballon d'Or Dream Team: The All-Time All-Star Football Lineup
What does the perfect football team look like when you can pick from every era of the sport? To answer this, France Football published the Ballon d'Or Dream Team on December 14, 2020. This prestigious all-star squad was the result of a global effort, beginning with an internet poll of fans and concluding with a final selection made by 140 France Football correspondents from around the world.
The project didn't stop at a single eleven; the publication also released a second and third team to ensure the game's greatest icons were recognized. The final selection was organized into a 3–4–3 formation, balancing defensive stability with explosive attacking power.
Key Facts
- Selection Process: Fan polls followed by a final vote from 140 global correspondents.
- Top Nation: Brazil led the nominations with 20 athletes, followed by Italy (16) and Germany (13).
- Formation: The Dream Team was structured in a 3–4–3 tactical layout.
- Eligibility Note: Until 1995, the Ballon d'Or was exclusively awarded to European players.
The Road to Selection
The nomination process took place throughout October 2020. Nominations for goalkeepers and defenders were announced on October 5, followed by midfielders on October 12, and finally the wingers and center-forwards on October 19. The diversity of the nominees highlighted the global nature of football, with significant contributions from the Netherlands (12), Spain (8), England (7), and France (7).
Defensive Pillars: Goalkeepers and Defenders
The defensive nominations featured legendary shot-stoppers and stalwarts of the backline. Among the goalkeepers, Lev Yashin stands out as a historic anomaly, being the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or (1963).
The defensive line was split into right-backs, centre-backs, and left-backs. The list included icons like Franz Beckenbauer and Fabio Cannavaro, both of whom won the Ballon d'Or. In the right-back category, Cafu's legacy is unmatched as the only player to appear in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals.
Defensive Nominees Overview
| Position | Notable Player | Club with Most Appearances | Best Ballon d'Or Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Lev Yashin | Dynamo Moscow | Winner (1963) |
| Right-back | Philipp Lahm | Bayern Munich | 6th (2014) |
| Centre-back | Franz Beckenbauer | Bayern Munich | Winner (1972, 1976) |
| Left-back | Paolo Maldini | Milan | 3rd (1994, 2003) |
The Engine Room: Midfield Mastery
The midfield was divided into two distinct roles: defensive/centre midfielders and attacking midfielders/inside forwards. This section saw a clash of styles, from the tactical discipline of Xavi and Andrea Pirlo to the creative genius of Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona.
The attacking midfielders included some of the most decorated players in history. Michel Platini earned three consecutive awards (1983–1985), while Alfredo Di Stéfano was honored with the unique Super Ballon d'Or in 1989. Other legends like Pelé and Maradona were also recognized, including special Ballon d'Or awards for their overall services to football.
The Attack: Wingers and Forwards
The final third of the pitch was populated by the most prolific scorers and dribblers to ever play the game. The right-wing category was headlined by Lionel Messi, who holds a record-breaking number of Ballon d'Or wins, including 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
On the left wing, Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance is evident with five wins (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). The center-forward position featured a legendary array of goal-scorers, including Johan Cruyff, Gerd Müller, and Ronaldo (Nazário), ensuring the Dream Team had every possible attacking threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selected the Ballon d'Or Dream Team?
The team was selected by 140 France Football correspondents worldwide, following an initial internet poll of football fans.
Which country had the most nominations?
Brazil had the highest number of nominated players with 20 athletes, followed by Italy with 16.
Why were some legendary non-European players listed as "not eligible" for certain years?
Until 1995, the Ballon d'Or was only awarded to European players, meaning many global icons were ineligible for the award during the peak of their careers.
What formation was used for the Dream Team?
The final team was lined up in a 3–4–3 formation.
Who is the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or?
Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to have ever won the award, achieving this feat in 1963.