The Ballon d’Or’s first ever victor remains its oldest. Stanley Matthews scooped the inaugural award in 1956 at an astounding 41 years old.
However, at the other end of the spectrum, there have been some remarkably youthful past winners. While no teenager has claimed football’s most coveted individual prize – yet, at least – there have been an array of up-and-coming world-beaters that have been crowned the planet’s best at a tender age.
Only one Ballon d’Or victor has been presented with the award prior to their 22nd birthday, topping a list of young superstars that have revolutionised football throughout the years.
Here are the youngest Ballon d’Or winners ever.
Year: 1971
Club: Ajax
Age: 24 years, 8 months & 3 days
One of the most transformative figures in 20th century football, Johan Cruyff’s exceptional talent was recognised by France Football – the distributors of the Ballon d’Or since its inception – on multiple occasions as he spearheaded the Total Football revolution.
Cruyff was swiftly granted superstar status across the globe after emerging in his native Netherlands in the 1960s, with his maiden Ballon d’Or triumph arriving in 1971 while he was still donning red and white for Ajax.
Approximately four months prior to his 25th birthday, Cruyff was given his first of three Ballon d’Or awards after winning European Cup with Amsterdam side in year of earliest victory.
Year:1988
Club: AC Milan
Age:24 years,1 month &27 days
Cruyff is undoubtedly most gifted and famous footballer Netherlands have ever produced but he’s not youngest Ballon d’Or champion in nation’s illustrious history. That honor goes to Marco van Basten.
Much like legendary compatriot,Cruyff,Van Basten also finished career with three Ballon d’Or titles to name,the first which arrived in1988 as he managed something Cruyff never did-to win European Championship with Oranje.
While also impressing colors Italian giants AC Milan,prolific Dutch striker fought off competition from international teammates Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to claim prize.That volley Euro ’88 final probably helped.
Year:1965
Club Benfica
Age :23years ,11months &3days
Portugal Iberian neighbors Spain had dominated much of ballondor voting its first decade but Eusebio disrupted their success.Having finished runner-up1962 Czechoslovakia Josef Masopust,Benfica fabled sharpshooter finally earned victory three years later.Mozambique-born Eusebio became first Black player win prize following sensational1965 saw him score astonishing rate.In1964/65,Benfica star netted48times36matches across all competitions.Eusebio just shy24th birthday when earned football prestigious individual honour,following victory another second-placed finish following year Portugal finished third1966 World Cup.
Year :2008
Club :Manchester United
Age :23years ,9months ,29days
Just besting international predecessor,Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal youngest ballondor victor.First five triumphs came all way back2008 Manchester United,capping frightening year one football all-time greats.Ronaldo won Premier League Champions League double Red Devils end2007/08 campaign.He scored final latter against Chelsea producing then-record31goals38-game Premier League season.Ronaldo earned lucrative move Real Madrid following year,Santiago Bernabeu home four subsequent ballondor victoriesOleg Blokhin, a Ukrainian footballer, won the Ballon d’Or in 1975 at the age of 23. He was the second Soviet Union player to win the prestigious award. Blokhin had an impressive career with Dynamo Kyiv, scoring 89 goals in his first four seasons with the club. In 1975, he scored 23 goals as Dynamo Kyiv won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
George Best, a Northern Irishman, won the Ballon d’Or in 1968 at the age of 22. He is considered one of the first British footballers to achieve international fame. Best played for Manchester United and was instrumental in their victory in the European Cup that year.
Lionel Messi holds a record eight Ballon d’Or wins and claimed his first award in 2009 at age 22. Messi played for Barcelona and helped them win multiple titles that year including La Liga and Champions League.
Michael Owen is another young winner of the Ballon d’Or, receiving it in 2001 at age 22 while playing for Liverpool. Owen had an exceptional season with Liverpool winning three major trophies including FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima from Brazil won his first Ballon d’Or in1997 at just21 years old while playing for Inter Milan. Ronaldo’s performances were outstanding throughout his career but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.
These players have left their mark on football history by winning this prestigious award at such young ages.In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, it was found that regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health. The study involved over 1,000 participants and focused on the relationship between physical activity and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The results showed that individuals who engaged in regular exercise had lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not exercise regularly. This finding suggests that physical activity may be an effective way to improve mental well-being.
Furthermore, the study also found that the type of exercise did not seem to matter. Whether it was aerobic exercises like running or cycling, or strength training exercises like weightlifting, all forms of physical activity were associated with improved mental health outcomes.
The researchers believe that there are several mechanisms through which exercise can benefit mental health. One possible explanation is that physical activity increases the production of endorphins in the brain, which are known to elevate mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Additionally, engaging in regular exercise may also provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, leading to improved self-esteem and overall well-being.
While this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between exercise and mental health, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms at play. Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of incorporating regular physical activity into our daily lives for both our physical and mental well-being.