Ballon d’Or 1995: Full Rankings, Top Contenders & Player Spotlights

The 1995 Ballon d’Or marked a fascinating year in football history, with incredible performances across Europe. Awarded annually by France Football, the Ballon d’Or honors the best male footballer in Europe, as voted by a panel of journalists. The 1995 award reflected a season of stunning individual brilliance, tactical innovation, and unforgettable moments that shaped the mid-90s football landscape.

In this post, we’ll break down the winner, highlight the top contenders, provide a spotlight on the top five players, and share a complete table of the top 15 nominees.

1995 Ballon d’Or Winner - George Weah

The 1995 Ballon d’Or went to George Weah, the Liberian forward who made history with his electrifying performances for AC Milan. Weah’s combination of pace, power, and precision in front of goal captured the imagination of fans and experts alike. He became the first—and so far only—African player to win the prestigious award, cementing his legacy as one of football’s true trailblazers.

Top Contenders

The 1995 nominations saw several legends in action, including players who dominated European competitions and their national teams. Among the leading contenders were:

• Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany / Bayern Munich & Tottenham Hotspur) – Known for his sharp finishing and leadership.

• Paolo Maldini (Italy / AC Milan) – The defensive maestro who epitomized consistency and tactical intelligence.

• Dejan Savićević (Montenegro / AC Milan) – A creative force, dazzling with flair and vision in midfield.

• Basile Boli (France / Olympique de Marseille) – The rock-solid defender and European Cup hero.

While these players impressed with skill, influence, and achievements, it was Weah’s consistent brilliance that ultimately carried the day.

Player Spotlight: Top 5

1. George Weah (Liberia / AC Milan)

Weah’s 1995 campaign was legendary. He scored crucial goals in Serie A, helped AC Milan challenge for the league title, and stunned Europe with his speed and finishing. His Ballon d’Or win was a historic milestone for African football.

2. Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany / Bayern Munich & Tottenham Hotspur)

Klinsmann was a forward who thrived on movement and intelligence. In 1995, his ability to score in critical matches and lead his teams to victory made him a serious contender.

3. Paolo Maldini (Italy / AC Milan)

Maldini’s defensive mastery was unmatched. He combined elegance with tactical discipline, leading Milan’s defense and earning admiration for his consistency at the highest level.

4. Dejan Savićević (Montenegro / AC Milan)

Savićević, the “Montenegrin Mozart,” mesmerized fans with creativity and dribbling. His vision and flair were crucial in Milan’s successes and key European matches.

5. Jari Litmanen (Finland / Ajax)

Litmanen enjoyed a breakthrough season with Ajax, demonstrating intelligence, versatility, and scoring ability. His contributions helped Ajax dominate both domestically and in Europe.

Ballon d’Or 1995 Top 15 Rankings

The 1995 Ballon d’Or celebrated both skill and influence, highlighting George Weah’s extraordinary talent and trailblazing journey. From the defensive reliability of Paolo Maldini to the creative genius of Savićević and Litmanen, the year represented a golden era of European football.

This historic award not only honoured exceptional individual talent but also paved the way for a more global recognition of football excellence.