Yes, goalies can absolutely win the Ballon d'Or. While it is an exceptionally rare feat, it has happened in the history of the prestigious award.
The Historical Precedent
In the 67-year history of the Ballon d'Or, only one goalkeeper has ever managed to claim the coveted award: Lev Yashin. The legendary Soviet goalkeeper achieved this remarkable accomplishment in 1963. His victory remains a unique milestone, underscoring the extraordinary challenge for players in his position to be recognized above outfield attackers and midfielders.
The Rarity of Goalkeeper Recognition
Since Lev Yashin's historic win in 1963, which was 60 years ago, the landscape for goalkeepers winning or even placing highly in the Ballon d'Or has remained largely unchanged. The award heavily favors goalscorers and creative playmakers, making it incredibly difficult for goalkeepers, whose primary role is preventing goals, to garner enough votes.
- Scarcity of Top 3 Finishes: In the six decades following Yashin's triumph, a mere five goalkeepers have managed to finish within the top three positions for the Ballon d'Or. This highlights the enduring challenge for goalkeepers to consistently stand out among the world's elite players.
- Oliver Kahn's Unique Achievement: Among these five goalkeepers, only Oliver Kahn has achieved the distinction of finishing in the top three more than once, showcasing his consistent excellence at the highest level.
The Ballon d'Or's voting criteria often prioritize offensive contributions, making a goalkeeper's path to victory a significantly uphill battle, despite their crucial role in team success.
