<P> Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or . Prior to 1995 , the award was often known in English language media as the European Footballer of the Year award . Milan 's George Weah , the only African recipient , became the first non-European to win the award in the year the rules of eligibility were changed . Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later . Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award a record five times . Three players have won the award three times each : Johan Cruyff of Ajax and Barcelona , Michel Platini of Juventus and Marco van Basten of Milan . With seven awards each , Dutch and German players won the most Ballons d'Or . Spanish club Barcelona has the most winners , with 11 wins . </P>
<P> Stanley Matthews of Blackpool was the inaugural winner of the Ballon d'Or . Prior to 1995 , the award was often known in English language media as the European Footballer of the Year award . Milan 's George Weah , the only African recipient , became the first non-European to win the award in the year the rules of eligibility were changed . Ronaldo of Internazionale became the first South American winner two years later . Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award a record five times . Three players have won the award three times each : Johan Cruyff of Ajax and Barcelona , Michel Platini of Juventus and Marco van Basten of Milan . With seven awards each , Dutch and German players won the most Ballons d'Or . Spanish club Barcelona has the most winners , with 11 wins . </P>
who has won the most ballon d'ors ever
who has won the most ballon d'ors ever
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo