Ronaldinho's Ballon d'Or Era 2005-2006

Lore & Background

The Ballon d'Or is an annual award presented by France Football since 1956. Ronaldinho's 2005 win came during a period when the award was based on calendar-year performance and voting by journalists.

In Their Own Story

The Parisian air was still that May evening, but inside Ronaldinho's mind, there was only a warm hum of triumph. Substituted off before the comeback unfolded, he watched from the sideline as Larsson turned the tide. The roar of the stadium faded into the background compared to the memory etched in his memory: the standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu six months prior. Holding the Champions League trophy, his signature laugh cut through the noise. In that moment, he wasn't just a player; he was the embodiment of the club's promise to play with joy.

Reader's Guide

The Ballon d'Or is awarded based on individual performances, team performances, and class and fair play. Ronaldinho's 2005 win is one of many in Barcelona's history; the club has produced twelve Ballon d'Or winners overall.

Did You Know?

• Lionel Messi holds the record for most Ballon d'Or wins with eight.
• The Ballon d'Or was originally only for European players until 1995.
• Between 2010 and 2015, the award was merged with FIFA's award to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or.