Sir Alex Ferguson Admits Ballon d’Or Winner ‘Never Took His Breath Away’

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that one Ballon d'or winner failed to 'take his breath away' despite impressing him on multiple occasions.

The former Manchester United boss won 38 trophies during his iconic 26 year spell at the club before his retirement in 2013.

Despite all their collective success, Sir Alex very rarely relied on individuals to carry his teams and only ever had one player win the Ballon d'Or under him, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or after scoring a then record breaking 31 goals to see United win the Premier League, as well as scoring in their Champions League final win over Chelsea.

Sir Alex has often made it known he prefers the Portuguese star to Lionel Messi, stating Ronaldo could play at any level and make the difference, where as Messi was a 'Barcelona player'.

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Kaka didn't take my breath away says Sir Alex

Messi isn't the only Ballon d'Or winner who has failed to win over the great man, with Sir Alex claiming Brazilian legend Kaka, failed to wow him when speaking on the world's best talents in 2009.

"When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top-level and, although he has never taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed," Sir Alex said via TalkSport.

"Zinedine Zidane was brilliant but without a doubt, Paolo Maldini has been my favourite – he has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era," he added.

Kaka only faced Sir Alex twice and scored three goals across two legs including a brace at Old Trafford to knock United out of the 2007 Champions League.

Kaka celebrating for AC Milan at Old Trafford in 2007 (credit: getty)

The Brazilian has also since revealed that Sir Alex attempted to sign him from AC Milan prior to his move to Real Madrid.

"Once he wanted to sign me and my brother when we were with Milan, but we chose to stay," Kaka said via FourFourTwo.

The duo also met up back in 2024, with Kaka posting a photo alongside the 85-year-old with the caption: "Every conversation is a lesson, thank you mister Ferguson!"