Ballon d’Or history: All the Italians and Serie A stars to lift football’s most prestigious award

As the 2026 Ballon d’Or is handed out in London tonight, we look back at…

Football italia

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 6:40 PM

Key Things to Know

Serie A stars have won the Ballon d'Or 18 times, but none have claimed it since 2007.
Juventus and AC Milan lead Italian clubs with eight winners each, while Inter has claimed two.
Fabio Cannavaro remains the last Italian and the last defender to lift the Ballon d'Or in 2006.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Serie A players have won the prestigious Ballon d'Or 18 times throughout football history, though no Italian league representative has secured the trophy since Kaká won it with AC Milan in 2007. Ahead of the 2026 ceremony in London, the historical winners from the Italian league encompass iconic figures representing Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter.

Juventus and AC Milan lead Italian clubs with eight Ballon d'Or honors each, while Inter accounts for two. Notable Italian winners include Omar Sívori, Gianni Rivera, Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, and Fabio Cannavaro, who remains the last Italian and defender to win the honor following his 2006 World Cup triumph.

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Ballon d’Or history: All the Italians and Serie A stars to lift football’s most prestigious award

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