Ballon d’Or 2012: Nominees, Top Contenders, and Player Spotlights

The 2012 Ballon d’Or was one of the most fiercely contested in years, and football fans across the world were glued to the voting results. With astonishing performances in both domestic leagues and international tournaments, 2012 produced a list of nominees that showcased the very best talent on the planet. From Messi’s unstoppable magic at Barcelona to Ronaldo’s dazzling displays at Real Madrid, the nominations were packed with world-class players making headlines week in, week out.

Ballon d'Or 2012 Winner: Lionel Messi

In 2012, Lionel Messi clinched his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, a record-breaking achievement that cemented his status as one of the greatest of all time. Messi’s 91-goal year across all competitions was nothing short of historic, and his dribbling, vision, and finishing were simply unparalleled. The Barcelona maestro didn’t just score; he mesmerised football fans globally, making him the deserving winner.

Top Contenders

While Messi took home the trophy, the competition was stiff:

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Real Madrid): The Portuguese superstar was electric in La Liga, smashing records with his incredible goal-scoring run.

• Andrés Iniesta (Spain / Barcelona): The midfield magician continued to shine for both club and country, playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2012 triumph.

• Xavi Hernandez (Spain / Barcelona): Another Spanish legend, Xavi’s vision and passing precision made Barcelona’s midfield one of the most feared in football history.

• Radamel Falcao (Colombia / Atlético Madrid): The Colombian striker had a phenomenal year in front of goal, terrorising defences in La Liga and Europe.

Player Spotlight: Top 5 Nominees

1. Lionel Messi – Argentina / Barcelona

Messi’s record-breaking goal haul of 91 in 2012 was simply jaw-dropping. Beyond stats, he carried Barcelona through every critical moment and continued to deliver that signature magic on the pitch.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal / Real Madrid

Ronaldo’s pace, power, and precision were electric. Scoring 60 goals in a single calendar year, he was a constant threat, and his free-kicks and long-range strikes kept defenders on edge.

3. Andrés Iniesta – Spain / Barcelona

Iniesta proved yet again why he’s a football genius. His ability to control games, create chances out of nothing, and deliver under pressure was key for both Barcelona and Spain’s Euro 2012 glory.

4. Xavi Hernandez – Spain / Barcelona

The engine of Barcelona’s tiki-taka, Xavi’s incredible passing range and game intelligence kept his team ticking and allowed Messi and Iniesta to thrive.

5. Radamel Falcao – Colombia / Atlético Madrid

Falcao had a breakthrough year, combining raw finishing with movement that left defenders helpless. He led Atlético’s attack with unstoppable confidence and was a key figure in their European adventures.

Top 15 Ballon d’Or 2012 Nominees

2012 was a year where Messi’s brilliance shone brighter than ever, but the depth of talent across Europe and beyond made the Ballon d’Or race unforgettable. For fans, it was a year of incredible goals, masterful midfield displays, and unforgettable moments that we still reminisce about today.