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Ranking 5 Real Madrid players who deserved to win the Ballon d’Or in the 21st century

Real Madrid has had their fair share of Ballon d'Or winners, but who came close to winning without getting their hands on the award?

By Maximus Polek · The Real Champs

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 9:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Writer Maximus Polek ranks five Real Madrid players who he argues deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.
Polek highlights Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham as top deserving candidates from the 2024 voting.
The writer cites Raul finishing second to Liverpool's Michael Owen in 2001 as a debatable outcome.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writing for The Real Champs, Maximus Polek ranks five Real Madrid players he believes deserved to win the Ballon d'Or during the 21st century. Ahead of the 2026 ceremony, Polek highlights Vinicius Junior in 2024 as the club's closest should-have-been recipient after finishing behind Manchester City's Rodri, alongside Jude Bellingham's impressive 2023-24 debut season.

The writer also argues that former defender Sergio Ramos deserved strong recognition in 2017, while Raul was edged out by Michael Owen in 2001. Additionally, Polek contends that goalkeeper Iker Casillas merited the award in 2008 following his pivotal role for both Real Madrid and Spain.

Read the full article on The Real Champs

Ranking 5 Real Madrid players who deserved to win the Ballon d’Or in the 21st century

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