Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Pele, Diego Maradona, Football
Marcus Chan
Only two players have been awarded the ultra-rare Ballon d'Or d'Honneur trophy.
This coming Monday night, all eyes will be firmly fixated on the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner is set to be named.
After a stunning season with Paris Saint Germain, winger Ousmane Dembele is the bookies' favourite to lift the prestigious trophy.
Meanwhile, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha are also said to be in the running.
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Currently, Argentine legend Lionel Messi stands out from the rest, having won the Ballon d'Or eight times. He is followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who lifted the golden trophy on five occasions.
However, despite being two of the greatest players to ever play the sport, both Messi and Ronaldo have never won the rare Ballon d'Or d'Honneur trophy.
Back in 1995, Argentina and Napoli legend Diego Maradona won the Ballon d'Or d'Honneur to salute his incredible career.
Fast forward to 2013, the second Ballon d'Or d'Honneur was handed out.
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Renamed as the Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur, the trophy was awarded to Brazil great Pele.
Similar to Maradona, the trophy was handed to Pele as an honorary award to pay tribute to his stunning career.
Speaking at the time, an emotional Pele said: "I promised to my family that I would not cry but I am emotional. First of all I have to thank God for giving me the health to play so many years.
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"Of course I did not play alone. When we talk about my friends people remember the players but we don't have to forget the guy who cleaned the shoes, the masseur - I had a lot of good people on my side. I have to share with them all this trophy."
He added: "I got so many trophies and prizes but I was jealous because all of those guys who got the Ballon d'Or, which I couldn't get because I didn't play in Europe. Now I thank God that I can complete my trophies at home."