There have been just three English winners of the Ballon d’Or award. Read more about them below.
Sir Stanley Matthews (1956)
Sir Stanley Matthews was the first ever winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1956.
One of England’s greatest footballers, Matthews redefined the winger; playing a hand in the evolution of the role. His playing style paving the way for many wingers of today.
He played at Blackpool and Stoke for 14 years each. Determined not to let the second World War take away the best days of his playing career, he played at the top level up until the age of 50. Indeed, Matthews was always in his prime, winning the 1956 Ballon d’Or at 41 years old!
A player who has achieved feats the wrong side of 40 that will surely never be replicated, Matthews was an iconic player and deserved winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or. He still stands as the oldest recipient of the award, 7 years older than 2022’s winner Karim Benzema.
Sir Bobby Charlton (1966)Englishman Sir Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in 1966 and is still respected as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
He won the World Cup with England the year he was given the award, playing a crucial role in England’s one and only World Cup win.
His 2 goals from midfield would prove the difference in England’s Semi-final victory over Eusebio’s Portugal.
Eusebio himself would miss out on the Ballon d’Or by just 1 point, as the hotly contested voting made for the closest voting process yet. Sir Bobby Charlton beat Eusebio, 81 votes to 80. No doubt Eusebio was wishing someone else had scored Charlton’s second in that semi-final.
Sir Bobby played almost all of his club football at Manchester United and is still the clubs all time leading scorer.
He is still closely linked with the Red Devils and currently sits on the board of directors, helping to run the club..
Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979)
Kevin Keegan is the only British player to win the Ballon d’Or twice, earning the award in 1978 and 1979.
Although HSV finished 10th in the Bundesliga, Keegan was playing some of his best football, bagging 12 goals en route to becoming the third English player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1978.
Keegan seemed to have had a terrific first half of the 1978-79 season for Hamburg. Despite only scoring 3 goals in the season, by Christmas ’78, he had made Kicker’s “team of the matchday” eight times (in 17 games).
Keegan would go on to pip Hans Krankl to the award gaining 87 to Krankl’s 81.
In Keegan’s second season at HSV, the team blew the opposition out of the water. There would be little doubt this time, as the Englishmen collected his second Ballon d’Or in a row.
HSV stormed into pole position, staying there all season. Keegan bagged 17 league goals, helping the club to its first league title since 1960.
Michael Owen (2001)
Michael Owen was the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or award in 2001.
He spent his career at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Man United and Stoke. His best years came at Liverpool; Owen cementing himself as a regular starter aged just 18.
Owen was explosive, and despite his diminutive stature, he was seldom bullied off the ball.
His triumph in the Ballon d’Or in 2001 was awarded to him through his incredible performances for both England and Liverpool. Everything he touched turned to gold.
Winning a treble of the UEFA Cup, League Cup and F.A Cup, Owen was in inspired form. He scored multiple important goals across his club’s runs in each tournament separately. Most notably was his double in the F.A Cup final versus Arsenal.
Owne would tie the game on 83 minutes after Liverpool fell to a Ljunberg opener in the 72nd minute. With most Liverpool fans ecstatic to be back level, and awaiting a fiercely contested extra time. Owen however, had other plans.
A ball in behind set the rapid forward down the right, as he bounded after the ball like a greyhound. Out pacing Dixon and Adams, Owen slotted the ball in the far corner past David Seaman. It was a goal that perfectly reflected Owens play style.
His performances that year in an England shirt, would almost single-handedly secure them qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
He’d score 24 in 46 that year for Liverpool, and whilst many strikers may score more in a season, every goal was of genuine significance. Owen quickly establishing himself as a big game player.
