The Most Attractive Ballon d'Or Winners Revealed: Messi Tops the List

03/10/2024; 7:23 AM By : Steven D. Thompson

Ever wondered which footballing legend ranks highest in the looks department? A recent study set out to answer that question by evaluating the facial features of past Ballon d’Or winners—and the results are in!

Lionel Messi tops the list as the most attractive Ballon d'Or winner, earning an impressive 8.86 out of 10 according to an AI-based analysis.
Pavel Nedvěd takes a surprising second place with a score of 8.05, beating out several other famous football stars.
Despite his reputation for being one of football’s biggest icons, Cristiano Ronaldo lands only in fifth place with a score of 7.52, just missing out on the top spots.

Golden Ball competition is just around the corner, with Real Madrid’s Vinicious Jr. & Jude Bellingham, and Rodri, the Spaniard from Manchester City being the favorites for a competition which bookies are already offering odds for more than 20 players.

Using data from an AI-driven tool that evaluates attractiveness through a Deep Neural Network, this study by Betpack.com scored every Ballon d'Or winner on their looks, resulting in an average attractiveness score of 6.64 out of 10.

Year	Player	Score	Nationality	Club	Average
2023	Lionel Messi	8.86	Argentina	Inter Miami	6.64
2003	Pavel Nedvěd	8.05	Czechia	Juventus
2001	Michael Owen	7.92	England	Liverpool
2004	Andriy Shevchenko	7.55	Ukraine	Milan
2017	Cristiano Ronaldo	7.52	Portugal	Real Madrid
2000	Luís Figo	7.5	Portugal	Real Madrid
1985	Michel Platini	7.41	France	Juventus
2007	Kaká	7.39	Brazil	Milan
1981	Karl-Heinz Rummenigge	7.3	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1966	Bobby Charlton	7.28	England	Manchester United
2002	Ronaldo	7.26	Brazil	Real Madrid
2006	Fabio Cannavaro	7.2	Italy	Real Madrid
1982	Paolo Rossi	7.16	Italy	Juventus
1992	Marco van Basten	7.1	Netherlands	Milan
1990	Lothar Matthäus	7.1	Germany	Internazionale
1961	Omar Sívori	7.08	Italy	Juventus
1977	Allan Simonsen	7.04	Denmark	Borussia Mönchengladbach
1963	Lev Yashin	7.01	Soviet Union	Dynamo Moscow
1991	Jean-Pierre Papin	6.89	France	Marseille
2022	Karim Benzema	6.76	France	Real Madrid
1998	Zinedine Zidane	6.75	France	Juventus
1962	Josef Masopust	6.72	Czechoslovakia	Dukla Prague
2018	Luka Modric	6.66	Croatia	Real Madrid
1969	Gianni Rivera	6.62	Italy	Milan
1968	George Best	6.62	Northern Ireland	Manchester United
1978	Kevin Keegan	6.61	England	Hamburg
1993	Roberto Baggio	6.59	Italy	Juventus
1995	George Weah	6.55	Liberia	Milan
1986	Igor Belanov	6.55	Soviet Union	Dynamo Kyiv
1994	Hristo Stoichkov	6.5	Bulgaria	Barcelona
1967	Flórián Albert	6.47	Hungary	Ferencv rosi TC
1960	Luis Suárez	6.47	Spain	Barcelona
1975	Oleg Blokhin	6.42	Soviet Union	Dynamo Kyiv
1958	Raymond Kopa	6.36	France	Real Madrid
1964	Denis Law	6.12	Scotland	Manchester United
1956	Stanley Matthews	6.11
1996	Matthias Sammer	5.96	Germany	Borussia Dortmund
1987	Ruud Gullit	5.87	Netherlands	Milan
1976	Franz Beckenbauer	5.73	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1972	Franz Beckenbauer	5.73	West Germany	Bayern Munich
2005	Ronaldinho	5.62	Brazil	Barcelona
1970	Gerd Müller	5.6	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1959	Alfredo Di Stéfano	5.5	Argentina / Spain	Real Madrid
1999	Rivaldo	5.42	Brazil	Barcelona
1973	Johan Cruyff	5.31	Netherlands	Barcelona
1971	Johan Cruyff	5.31	Netherlands	Ajax
1965	Eusébio	4.68	Portugal	Benfica

Breaking Down the Top 10 Most Attractive Ballon d'Or Winners

Here’s how the top 10 shook out—let’s take a closer look:

1. Lionel Messi (8.86/10) - Argentina

It’s no surprise that the Argentine wizard tops the list. With his down-to-earth demeanor and subtle charm, Messi’s looks only add to his legendary status. Whether it’s the signature beard or those captivating eyes, something about him clearly makes an impression! Did you know that he’s also the only player to win the Ballon d’Or seven times? Looks and talent—talk about a complete package!
2. Pavel Nedvěd (8.05/10) - Czechia

This one might come as a bit of a surprise to some! Known more for his tireless energy, stunning volleys, and work ethic at Juventus and Lazio, Pavel Nedvěd also found his way to the top of the attractiveness list. With his flowing blond locks and intense gaze, it’s easy to see why the AI analysis gave him a solid 8.05 out of 10.
3. Michael Owen (7.92/10) - England

Remember when Owen burst onto the scene with that wonder goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup? Well, it seems his youthful good looks made just as much of an impact. With his fresh-faced appearance, he ranks third, securing a spot not just as a top striker, but also a looker.
4. Andriy Shevchenko (7.55/10) - Ukraine

Sheva, as fans fondly know him, was a force of nature at AC Milan, and his chiseled features score him fourth place on this list. The Ukrainian striker’s combination of athleticism and a brooding intensity made him a star both on and off the pitch.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (7.52/10) - Portugal

CR7 is no stranger to being called attractive, and with a score of 7.52, he’s firmly in the top five. Known for his sharp jawline, immaculate hairstyle, and million-dollar smile, it’s surprising to see him not higher up. While he’s ranked fifth in attractiveness, he’s definitely top-tier in self-promotion!
6. Luís Figo (7.50/10) - Portugal

The Portuguese legend, who famously swapped Barcelona for Real Madrid, has an appeal that’s both sophisticated and edgy. Figo’s magnetic presence on the field is mirrored by his striking facial features. Plus, he’s still rocking that suave look well into his post-retirement years.
7. Michel Platini (7.41/10) - France

Platini dominated the 80s, winning the Ballon d’Or three times in a row. But beyond his accolades, his classic French looks have landed him in seventh place. Perhaps it’s the aura of greatness that adds a couple of points to his attractiveness score?
8. Kaká (7.39/10) - Brazil

The Brazilian playmaker was as graceful on the pitch as he is easy on the eyes. With his soft smile and down-to-earth personality, Kaká’s charm is timeless. He’s also the last player to win the Ballon d’Or before the Messi-Ronaldo era took over, so he’s got beauty and historical significance!
9. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (7.30/10) - West Germany

RRummenigge was a powerhouse forward for Bayern Munich in the late 70s and 80s, and apparently, quite the looker too! His strong features and confident demeanor make him a top-ten pick, even in a list crowded with global icons.
10. Bobby Charlton (7.28/10) - England

Sir Bobby Charlton might be one of England’s greatest footballers, but he’s also remembered for sporting one of the most, let’s say, “memorable” haircuts in World Cup history. Despite his comb-over being no match for a windy day, Charlton still managed to snag a place in the top 10 for his endearing smile and gentlemanly charm.

The Original Football Heartthrob: George Best

It’s surprising to see some footballing icons ranked lower than expected. Take George Best, for example. Even though he’s often hailed as the original football heartthrob, the study ranks him below players like Luka Modrić, who scored a 6.66 compared to Best’s 6.62. It just goes to show that attractiveness, like football, is sometimes unpredictable!

While George Best may not have ranked high in this list, his impact as a style icon is unparalleled. Known as the “fifth Beatle” for his shaggy hair and good looks, Best’s appeal was far-reaching, capturing the hearts of football fans and non-fans alike during the swinging 60s and 70s. His sense of style and his playboy lifestyle made him a symbol of the era, and even though the AI didn’t put him at the top, he’ll always be one of the game’s most iconic figures.

So, What Does This Study Mean?

While it’s all in good fun, this ranking shows us that some footballers have the whole package—looks, talent, and that undeniable charisma that makes them icons. Whether it’s Messi’s friendly aura or Ronaldo’s Greek statue-like physique, each player has their own unique appeal.

The Most Attractive Ballon d'Or Winners Revealed: Messi Tops the List

Breaking Down the Top 10 Most Attractive Ballon d'Or Winners

The Original Football Heartthrob: George Best

So, What Does This Study Mean?

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