Youngest Ballon d'Or winners

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal is in the running to win the Ballon d'Or in 2025 and he would become the youngest player in history to claim the coveted award.

We have therefore compiled a list of the youngest footballers to win the Ballon d'Or since it was first awarded back in 1956.

5. Oleg Blokhin - 23 years, 1 month & 25 days

Oleg Blokhin was the all-time record goalscorer for both Dynamo Kiev and the Soviet Union National team, but it was in 1975 when he was truly recognised on the global stage.

The striker netted 23 times during that 12-month period and he played an instrumental part in guiding Dynamo Kiev to their UEFA Cup Winners' Cup success - including scoring the second goal in their 3-0 victory against Ferencváros in the final.

4. George Best - 22 years, 7 months & 2 days

George Best remains the only Northern Irish footballer to win the Ballon d'Or, an award he was nominated for after playing an integral part in Manchester United becoming the first English side to win a European Cup in 1968.

3. Lionel Messi - 22 years, 5 months & 7 days

The only player to be awarded the Ballon d'Or on eight separate occasions, Lionel Messi claimed his first at the age of 22 after helping Barcelona to win the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup titles in 2009.

2. Michael Owen - 22 years, 0 months & 4 days

The most recent Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or, Michael Owen was a key part of Liverpool's League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2001 - scoring 24 goals in all competitions and being the club's top goalscorer.

1. Ronaldo - 21 years, 3 months & 5 days

What can you say about the Brazilian Ronaldo?

One of the most talented players in history, who unfortunately suffered injuries that arguably prevented him from being the greatest footballer we has ever seen.

The striker picked up the Ballon d'Or in 2002 after winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup and leading Brazil to glory.