Ballon d’Or 2014: The Top Contenders and Winner Revealed

The 2014 Ballon d’Or was one of the most thrilling in recent memory, with some of the world’s finest footballers battling it out for the prestigious award. Coming off a World Cup year in Brazil, the nominations were shaped not just by club performances but by international heroics. Fans across the globe were glued to the news, debating who deserved to be crowned the best player on the planet.

Ballon d'Or 2014 Winner - Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo took home the 2014 Ballon d’Or, securing his third award after an incredible season with Real Madrid and a stellar showing with Portugal. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feats were simply phenomenal—he broke records, lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, and showcased the relentless drive that has defined his career.

Top Contenders

While Ronaldo ultimately claimed the prize, the other nominees were no less spectacular. The year had it all: World Cup heroics, Champions League triumphs, and jaw-dropping individual performances. Let’s take a closer look at the top five contenders who dominated the headlines.

Player Spotlight: Top 5 Ballon d’Or 2014 Nominees

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Real Madrid)

Ronaldo was unstoppable in 2014. He scored a staggering 51 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid, helping them lift La Décima—their 10th European Cup. Add to that Portugal’s campaign at the World Cup, and it’s clear why Ronaldo was the favourite. His pace, power, and finishing were on another level.

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina / Barcelona)

Messi’s 2014 was still outstanding, even if it didn’t include a World Cup win. He dazzled with Barcelona, leading them to domestic glory in La Liga and Copa del Rey. Messi’s creativity and vision continued to be unrivalled, keeping him firmly in the conversation for the world’s best player.

3. Manuel Neuer (Germany / Bayern Munich)

The World Cup hero of 2014, Neuer redefined the role of a goalkeeper. His command of the box, incredible shot-stopping, and sweeper-keeper style were pivotal in Germany’s World Cup triumph. Neuer’s performances weren’t just consistent—they were revolutionary.

4. Thomas Müller (Germany / Bayern Munich)

Müller enjoyed a sensational 2014, shining in both club and international football. He was instrumental in Germany’s World Cup-winning side, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 5 goals, and his clever movement and goal sense for Bayern Munich continued to impress.

5. Arjen Robben (Netherlands / Bayern Munich)

Robben had a fantastic year, especially in the Champions League, where his blistering pace and signature cuts to the box terrorised defenders. Despite a World Cup disappointment with the Netherlands, Robben’s club form kept him among the elite.

Ballon d’Or 2014 Top 15 Nominees

The 2014 Ballon d’Or was a mix of unstoppable goals, midfield wizardry, and tactical genius. It was the year Ronaldo cemented himself as one of the greatest, while legends like Messi, Neuer, and Müller ensured fans were spoiled for choice. Looking back, it’s clear why football fans across the UK and beyond were glued to the debates—2014 was football at its very best.