Nearly 30 years have passed since a German footballer last won the Ballon d’Or, the sport’s most prestigious individual prize. In 1996, was awarded the trophy on the heels of a victory for his country and just several months before he would go on to win the title with his club, .
Even before Sammer, German footballers had seen considerable Ballon d’Or success, particularly in the 1970s and early 80s. Legends , , and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge all won the prize, with the latter two even winning it twice.
In the last few decades, German teams and their players have managed to stay front and center in world football – have won the Champions League three times, while Germany won the in 2014. Players like Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller have all been integral to the success of their respective clubs.
But the coveted Ballon d’Or has remained elusive for German footballers. The question is why?
A lack of elite attackers?
For nearly 30 years, the Ballon d’Or has almost exclusively favored strikers and attacking players. All but three winners since Sammer have been forwards, with the most recent exception to the rule being Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri in 2024.
The unfortunate reality for Germany is that they haven’t managed to keep up with other nations – or even their own history – in producing world-class attackers. When the country in back-to-back World Cups, a lack of elite attacking output may have been one of the biggest contributing factors.
Both Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos made their mark during this era, but in truth the only Germans that came close to lifting the Ballon d’Or in the past three decades were two goalkeepers. Oliver Kahn and Manuel Neuer redefined the position itself, but both could finish no higher than third – Kahn in both 2001 and 2002, Neuer in 2014. That year, Neuer also won the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper at the World Cup, but missed out on winning best overall player to , despite the Argentine losing the final. And it was who would take home the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo and Messi era
The biggest hurdle for players of any nationality during this time period was indeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The duo dominated on the field, and that was reflected in the Ballon d’Or.
From Ronaldo’s first win in 2008 to Messi’s win in 2023, every year but two saw the Ballon d’Or given to these prolific footballers. When Croatian midfielder Luka Modric broke the 10-year streak in 2018, it at first seemed to signal the era was over. But immediately after, Messi would win the next two years in a row and again in 2023.
Can Germany turn it around?
In the last two years, neither Messi or Ronaldo have been in the Ballon d’Or final three for the first time since 2006. A new era may now be truly arriving, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for Germany.
Two of the most exciting German players right now are Bayern Munich’s and Liverpool’s . Both are just 22 years old, play in attacking positions and are Champions League regulars. If Musiala can return to the form he showed before his injury and Wirtz can quickly adjust to life in the Premier League, there is a real chance that Germany will soon have a Ballon d’Or winner for the first time in two generations.
Edited by: Jonathan Harding.
The post Why do German footballers struggle to win the Ballon d’Or? appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
