In football, true greatness is often measured by the trophies a player has won, yet only a handful have managed to secure the sport’s three most prestigious honors: the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or.
While claiming any one of these accolades can define a player’s legacy, conquering all three elevates them into an elite echelon of football immortality.
Exploring the exclusive group of football legends who have achieved this remarkable treble
(1) Bobby Charlton
As a pivotal figure in England’s 1966 World Cup club-world-cup-semis/” title=”Nine-man PSG beat Bayern to reach … World Cup semis”>victory, Bobby Charlton also played a crucial role in Manchester United’s maiden European Cup triumph in 1968. His outstanding performances that year earned him the Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as a national icon.
(2) Franz Beckenbauer
Known as Der Kaiser, Beckenbauer captained West Germany to World Cup success in 1974. His dominance extended to club football with Bayern Munich, where he helped secure three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. Remarkably, he won the Ballon d’Or twice (1972 and 1976), a rare achievement for a defender.
(3) Gerd Müller
Renowned as one of football’s most prolific goal scorers, Müller was instrumental in West Germany’s 1974 World Cup win and Bayern Munich’s European supremacy during the mid-1970s. His goal-scoring prowess earned him the 1970 Ballon d’Or, recognizing a striker who shattered long-standing records.
(4) Paolo Rossi
Italy’s standout star at the 1982 World Cup, Rossi’s decisive goals propelled the Azzurri to victory and secured him the Ballon d’Or that same year. He later added the European Cup to his accolades with Juventus in 1985, cementing his legacy among football’s elite.
(5) Zinedine Zidane
Often hailed as a midfield maestro, Zidane led France to their inaugural World Cup triumph in 1998, earning the Ballon d’Or that year. His unforgettable volley in the 2002 Champions League final helped Real Madrid clinch the title, further establishing his place among the sport’s legends.
(6) Rivaldo
After dazzling fans with Barcelona, Rivaldo claimed the 1999 Ballon d’Or. He was a key contributor to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory and later lifted the Champions League trophy with AC Milan in 2003, showcasing his versatility and skill on the biggest stages.
(7) Ronaldinho
The Brazilian maestro, known for his infectious smile and dazzling flair, won the Ballon d’Or in 2005. He celebrated World Cup glory with Brazil in 2002 and was instrumental in Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League triumph, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and joy.
(8) Kaká
Often regarded as one of the gentlest giants of football, Kaká earned the Ballon d’Or in 2007 before the era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo. His brilliance led AC Milan to the Champions League title that year, and he was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, marking a period of exceptional talent.
(9) Lionel Messi
Messi’s extraordinary career includes winning the UEFA Champions League four times with Barcelona (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), guiding Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 with unforgettable performances, and securing a record eight Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). By mastering club, international, and individual success, Messi has firmly established himself as one of football’s all-time greats.
(10) Ousmane Dembélé
The newest member of this distinguished club, Ousmane Dembélé, has triumphed in the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, captured the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2024/25 season, and earned the Ballon d’Or in 2025. His achievements highlight a rare blend of club, international, and personal excellence.
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