Football greats Diego Maradona and Pelé never won the Ballon d’Or during their playing careers because the award was initially restricted to European players before the rules were changed.

The award, originally known as the European Footballer of the Year, was presented to the best European players in recognition of their performances.

However, the rules were changed in 1995 to allow non-European players playing for European clubs to compete for the award. By then, both Pelé and Maradona were past their prime.

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The first non-European player to win the award under the revised rules was Liberian striker George Weah, who was in brilliant form for AC Milan when he claimed the honour in 1995.

Since then, several non-European players, including Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Kaká, have won the prestigious award.

In 2007, the Ballon d’Or was opened up to players of any nationality playing for clubs anywhere in the world, making it more inclusive. This change allowed players competing outside Europe to be considered for the award.

Lionel Messi’s 2023 victory, which came after he had joined Inter Miami in the United States, highlighted the significance of the rule change.

Because of the original eligibility rules, Pelé and Maradona were never eligible to win the award during their playing careers.

The Brazilian superstar, who died in December 2022 at the age of 82, ended his playing career with the New York Cosmos in 1977, almost 20 years before the first non-European Ballon d’Or winner.

Meanwhile, after 11 years in Europe playing for Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla, Maradona returned to Argentina in 1993 to play out the final four seasons of his career. By then, though, his powers were on the wane, hastened by a 15-month ban for failing a drug test for cocaine in 1991.

Their absence from the list of Ballon d’Or winners remains a notable chapter in football history, surprising fans who regard the two legends as among the greatest players of all time. Despite never winning the award, their legacies in the sport remain firmly intact.

SB/JKB

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