Top 10 Players Who Won the World Cup, Champions League & Ballon d’Or

Players who’ve won all three of football’s biggest honours are part of a very limited club. The FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or represent excellence at the international, club, and individual levels. Success in international football, club football, and individual level is a rare combination for players, but some have managed it.

Remarkably, Ousmane Dembélé won the Ballon d’Or in 2025, joining the truly special company of just ten players who have achieved this incredible feat of winning all three trophies.

The Complete List

1. Sir Bobby Charlton — England

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Manchester United history, Sir Bobby Charlton picked up the Ballon d’Or in 1966 after helping England lift the World Cup, scoring crucial goals including two in the semi-final against Portugal. He added the European Cup to his collection two years later in 1968, scoring twice in the final against Benfica. He became the first player in history to win these three prestigious accolades.

2. Gerd Müller — West Germany

Known as “Der Bomber,” Müller was a goal machine who revolutionized the striker role. His goals in the 1974 World Cup final were decisive, while his prolific scoring helped Bayern Munich achieve three consecutive European Cup wins. Winning the Ballon d’Or in 1970, Müller put in elite displays at both club and international levels. During the 1970 World Cup, he netted ten times, even scoring 38 goals in 33 games in the top flight of German football.

3. Franz Beckenbauer — West Germany

Known as “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor), Beckenbauer was a central figure in Bayern Munich and West Germany’s dominance in the 1970s. His unmatched leadership helped West Germany win the 1974 World Cup, while his stellar club career saw him lift the Champions League three times. He is the only defender to win the World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and Champions League. Impressively, Beckenbauer won the Ballon d’Or twice, which, especially as a defender, is some achievement.

4. Paolo Rossi — Italy

Rossi’s heroics in the 1982 World Cup, where he led Italy to victory and won the Golden Boot, earned him the Ballon d’Or that same year. His career culminated in Champions League success with Juventus, cementing his reputation as one of Italy’s most beloved forwards.

5. Zinedine Zidane — France

Zidane won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002 and the World Cup with France in 1998. He was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 1998. He dazzled the world with his skill and vision, particularly in France’s 1998 World Cup win, where he scored twice in the final. His legendary volley in the 2002 Champions League final remains iconic, sealing his status as a footballing genius.

6. Rivaldo — Brazil

Rivaldo was a magician on the field, known for his dribbling and powerful strikes. After winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and playing a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, he capped his European success with a Champions League title at AC Milan, showcasing his versatility and flair across leagues.

7. Ronaldinho — Brazil

The Brazilian played an important role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup glory. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, beating Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. His impressive stint at Barcelona then won him the UEFA Champions League in 2006, entering an elite group in style.

8. Kaká — Brazil

Kaká’s elegance and technical prowess on the ball defined an era. Though he had a limited role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, his individual brilliance earned him the 2007 Ballon d’Or and helped AC Milan secure Champions League victory that same year, marking him as one of the last players to win the award before the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.

9. Lionel Messi — Argentina

Messi finally conquered the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and previously won the Champions League four times with Barcelona (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015). He secured his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and has won a record eight in total. His longevity and consistency at the top make his story unmatched.

10. Ousmane Dembélé — France

Dembélé lifted the World Cup with France in 2018 and became a Champions League winner with PSG in 2025. He completed the set after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2025. His versatility and comeback from injuries make his achievement even more remarkable. Messi and Dembélé are the only two active players to have accomplished this feat.

Notable Absences

Read More: Top 10 Players With Most Man of the Match Awards in World Cup History

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