Man City’s Ballon d’Or Journey: A Tale of Near-Misses and Historical Links
It’s astonishing to think that Manchester City, once struggling in England’s third division before the turn of the millennium, now stands as an international powerhouse under Pep Guardiola. With eight Premier League titles, European glory, and a squad packed with world-class talent, the Cityzens have become a global football force thanks to decades of careful investment.
The faces of Man City’s success have evolved over the years. Icons like David Silva, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Aguero have passed the baton to a new generation of stars. And, with the level of talent wearing sky blue, it’s no surprise that City regularly finds itself with players in contention for football’s most prestigious prize: the Ballon d’Or.
But despite their dominance, no Man City player has yet captured the Ballon d’Or—a title largely monopolized in recent years by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Could 2024 be the year City finally claims it, with defensive stalwart Rodri among the top contenders?
Historical Links to the Ballon d’Or
While no one has won the Ballon d’Or as a City player, two former Cityzens have taken the prize. Scottish forward Denis Law, known for his brilliance at Manchester United, earned the Ballon d’Or in 1964 but also spent two separate stints donning City’s colors.
Similarly, George Weah, Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, lifted the award in 1995 while representing AC Milan, five years before his brief move to Man City. Weah’s win was historic, as he became the first non-European to claim the prize following nationality restrictions being lifted.
Even though he never played for the club, Kevin Keegan—who managed City from 2001 to 2005—won the Ballon d’Or twice in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg. It’s a faint connection, but another tie between City and the esteemed accolade.
Close Calls: City’s Ballon d’Or Runners-Up
Though a City player has never won the Ballon d’Or, two have reached the top three. In 2022, Kevin De Bruyne, a midfield maestro and the engine behind City’s attack, finished third. However, he lost decisively to Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who enjoyed a stellar season with Los Blancos.
Then, in 2023, Erling Haaland, in his sensational debut season with 52 goals in 53 games, seemed poised to challenge for the title after leading City to a historic treble. But his efforts fell short as Lionel Messi, fresh from winning the World Cup with Argentina, took home his record eighth Ballon d’Or, leaving Haaland 105 points behind. The Norwegian star, however, did take home the Gerd Müller Trophy as a consolation.
City’s Ballon d’Or Close Contenders: A Quick Glance
| Year | Player | Placing |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kevin De Bruyne | 3rd |
| 2023 | Erling Haaland | 2nd |
The 2024 Ballon d’Or season will reveal if Rodri or another Man City player can finally break the streak, cementing themselves in City’s legacy as the club’s first Ballon d’Or winner.
