Players Who Won The Champions League, World Cup, And Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

While the feat of winning the Champions League, World Cup, and Ballon d’Or is an extraordinary accomplishment, there have been only 9 players in the history of the sport who have managed to achieve this remarkable feat. Here are those 9 players who have accomplished this unprecedented treble in their playing career.

1. Bobby Charlton

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Overview: Bobby Charlton remains an English icon, embodying Manchester United’s resilience and England’s pride. He was pivotal in England’s World Cup victory in 1966 and, two years later, led Manchester United to its first European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) triumph, solidifying his legacy as a club and national hero.

2. Franz Beckenbauer

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Overview: Known as “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor), Beckenbauer was a central figure in Bayern Munich and West Germany’s dominance in the 1970s. His unmatched leadership helped West Germany win the 1974 World Cup, while his stellar club career saw him lift the Champions League three times, making him one of football’s all-time greats.

3. Gerd Müller

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Overview: Known as “Der Bomber,” Müller was a goal machine who revolutionized the striker role. His goals in the 1974 World Cup final were decisive, while his prolific scoring helped Bayern Munich achieve three consecutive European Cup wins. Müller’s legacy lies in his clinical finishing and his lasting impact on football.

4. Paolo Rossi

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Overview: Rossi’s heroics in the 1982 World Cup, where he led Italy to victory and won the Golden Boot, earned him the Ballon d’Or that same year. His career culminated in Champions League success with Juventus, cementing his reputation as one of Italy’s most beloved forwards.

5. Zinedine Zidane

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Overview: Zidane dazzled the world with his skill and vision, particularly in France’s 1998 World Cup win, where he scored twice in the final. His legendary volley in the 2002 Champions League final with Real Madrid remains iconic, sealing his status as a footballing genius.

6. Rivaldo

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Overview: Rivaldo was a magician on the field, known for his dribbling and powerful strikes. After winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and playing a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, he capped his European success with a Champions League title at AC Milan, showcasing his versatility and flair across leagues.

7. Ronaldinho

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Overview: Ronaldinho’s infectious love for the game made him a global fan favorite. His role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad and his 2005 Ballon d’Or win reflected his unique talent. His crowning achievement at Barcelona came in 2006, when he won the Champions League and left an indelible mark on the club and football worldwide.

8. Kaká

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Overview: Kaká’s elegance and technical prowess on the ball defined an era. Though he had a limited role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph, his individual brilliance earned him the 2007 Ballon d’Or and helped AC Milan secure Champions League victory that same year, marking him as one of the last players to win the award before the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.

9. Lionel Messi

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Overview: One of the greatest to ever play, Messi’s achievements are staggering. With four Champions League titles at Barcelona and multiple Ballon d’Or wins, he completed his international legacy by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, capping an extraordinary career that continues to inspire millions.