In the world of football, individual awards often spark endless debates, but one achievement remains undisputed—Barcelona is the only club to have produced the top three nominees for the Ballon d’Or in a single year. And not just once, but in both men’s and women’s football. This remarkable feat highlights the club’s dominance and the exceptional talent they have nurtured over the years.
Let’s take a look at the two historic moments that cemented Barcelona’s legacy in football greatness.
2010: Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi—The Golden Generation
After Barcelona’s era-defining success under Pep Guardiola, the Ballon d’Or podium in 2010 was painted entirely in Blaugrana colors.
1st Place: Lionel Messi – The Argentine magician had already established himself as the best player in the world. Despite Argentina’s underwhelming World Cup campaign, Messi’s brilliance at club level, where he led Barcelona to another La Liga title, secured him the award.
2nd Place: Andrés Iniesta – The midfield maestro played a vital role in Spain’s historic World Cup victory, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. His technical brilliance and composure made him one of the greatest playmakers of all time.
3rd Place: Xavi Hernández – The brain of Barcelona and Spain’s tiki-taka system, Xavi controlled games with his unmatched passing ability. His influence in both club and international football made him a deserving podium finisher.
This clean sweep in 2010 was a testament to Barcelona’s style of play and their dominance in world football.
2024: Bonmatí, Graham Hansen, and Paralluelo – The Queens of Football
Fast forward to 2024, and Barcelona made history again—this time in women’s football. The club’s women’s team, already one of the most dominant in Europe, saw Aitana Bonmatí, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Salma Paralluelo take the top three spots in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
1st Place: Aitana Bonmatí – The Spanish playmaker had an unforgettable year, leading Barcelona to domestic and European glory. She was also the standout performer in Spain’s World Cup triumph, earning her the ultimate recognition as the best player in the world.
2nd Place: Caroline Graham Hansen – The Norwegian winger was unstoppable, dazzling fans with her dribbling and goal-scoring ability. Her impact on Barcelona’s dominance in the Champions League and league competitions made her a Ballon d’Or finalist.
3rd Place: Salma Paralluelo – The young Spanish forward had a breakthrough year, shining both for Barcelona and the national team. Her electric pace and goal-scoring instincts made her one of the most exciting talents in world football.
To achieve this feat in both men’s and women’s football is nothing short of extraordinary. It reflects Barcelona’s commitment to excellence, their philosophy of developing world-class talent, and their ability to dominate on the biggest stage.
No other club has come close to replicating this level of individual success. Whether it was the golden generation of Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi or the new era led by Bonmatí, Graham Hansen, and Paralluelo, Barcelona continues to set the standard for football greatness.
