Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the Ballon d’Or a staggering 15 times between them since 2008, meaning multiple world-class players missed out on the prestigious award during that period.
With former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta and ex-Arsenal star Thierry Henry among the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or, it is fair to say that several top-tier talents – including a host of British superstars – failed to get their hands on the golden ball.
Michael Owen remains the last Brit to win the Ballon d'Or back in 2001, and fans across the UK have long debated which homegrown talents were most unfortunate not to follow in the footsteps of the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker.
While the likes of Frank Lampard and Jude Bellingham came close by finishing in the top three, some of the finest British footballers in history have missed out – and GIVEMESPORT enlisted ChatGPT to determine who deserved it the most.
EPL_Ballon d'Or Winner Related
Every Ballon d'Or Winner by Position
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in football. But who has won it in each position?
AI Says Steven Gerrard Deserved to Win the Ballon d’Or
The Liverpool icon came in the top three in 2005
Steven Gerrard
According to AI, Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard deserved to win the Ballon d’Or more than any other British player and had the ‘strongest case’ in 2005, when he led Liverpool to Champions League glory:
“Perhaps his strongest Ballon d'Or case was in 2005. Gerrard almost single-handedly dragged Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, inspiring the famous comeback from 0–3 down against AC Milan. His performances in that tournament were legendary.”
Indeed, Gerrard came close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005, when he earned 142 votes and finished third in the ranking, behind winner Ronaldinho and runner-up Lampard.
The former England midfielder was nominated a total of six times for the Ballon d'Or during his career, with his first nod coming in 2001.
AI suggests that Gerrard’s lack of success with the England national team may have played a role in him missing out on the award, despite his significant in-game impact for both club and country:
“Ballon d'Or voting often favors players in dominant teams or those who win major international tournaments. Gerrard lacked those medals but arguably delivered more impact per game than many of his contemporaries who did win.”
Gerrard never reached a semi-final at a major tournament with England, with two quarter-final appearances – in Euro 2004 and Euro 2012 – his best achievements with the Three Lions.
At club level, the Liverpool-born midfielder also never managed to win the Premier League as his most notable domestic honours with the Reds were two FA Cups and three League Cups.
Steven Gerrard's Liverpool Career Stats (1997-2015)
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AI Compares Steven Gerrard to Andriy Shevchenko
The Ukrainian goalscorer won the Ballon d’Or in 2004
Andriy Shevchenko celebrates
GIVEMESPORT also asked AI to compare Gerrard to one of the Ballon d’Or winners from his peak years and it selected former AC Milan and Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko, who lifted the golden ball in December 2004:
“Shevchenko was a deserving winner in 2004 for his clinical season, but his team was arguably stronger.
“Gerrard’s 2005 performances—particularly in Europe—were more dramatic, clutch, and individually vital. He transformed a mediocre squad into Champions League winners through sheer willpower and talent.
“Had Liverpool performed better domestically or if there were more weight on individual match-winning influence, Gerrard may well have deserved the Ballon d'Or in 2005.”
Shevchenko beat competition from the likes of Deco and Ronaldinho to win the Ballon d’Or in 2004, while Gerrard was not even among the nominees that year.
The Ukrainian striker led AC Milan to Serie A glory in the 2003/04 season and was the competition’s top scorer with 24 goals, while playing alongside the likes of Kaka, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Rui Costa and Gennaro Gattuso.
Gerrard, meanwhile, was nominated for five consecutive seasons after the snub in 2004, with his last Ballon d’Or nomination coming in 2009.
The former Anfield superstar finished 10th with 32 points and registered his second-best result in a year when the aforementioned Messi won his first golden ball, while the entire top seven was made up of players who either played for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard Related
Gerrard vs Scholes vs Lampard: Total Career Ballon d'Or Votes Compared
The number of Ballon d'Or votes Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard received during their careers.
Statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt. Correct as of 23-05-25.