Most times in football greatness is measured in trophies, but only a select few have conquered all three of the game’s ultimate prizes: the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or.
Winning just one of these is enough to define a career; however winning all three places a player in an immortal class of legends.
Here’s a look at the rare group of football icons who have achieved this historic treble
(1) Bobby Charlton
The heart of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Bobby Charlton also inspired Manchester United to their first European Cup in 1968. These achievements earned him the Ballon d’Or in 1966, the year he became a national hero.
(2) Franz Beckenbauer
He was nicknamed Der Kaiser, Beckenbauer led West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974. He was victorious with Bayern Munich winning three consecutive European Cups (1974–76) and was twice crowned Ballon d’Or winner (1972, 1976)—a rare feat for a defender.
(3) Gerd Müller
He has been described as one of the most lethal strikers in history, Müller was key in West Germany’s success at the 1974 World Cup and Bayern Munich’s European dominance in the mid-70s. His 1970 Ballon d’Or recognized a goal machine who broke scoring records that stood for decades.
(4) Paolo Rossi
Italy’s hero of the 1982 World Cup, Rossi’s goals carried the Azzurri to glory, earning him the Ballon d’Or the same year. He later lifted the European Cup with Juventus in 1985, sealing his place in one of the greatest players in football history.
(5) Zinedine Zidane
A midfield magician as he is popularly called, Zidane inspired France to their first World Cup title in 1998, winning the Ballon d’Or that same year. Four years later, his stunning volley which will forever be etched in the history of the Champions League helped Real Madrid claim the 2002 Champions League, cementing his place among football’s greatest players.
(6) Rivaldo
Rivaldo won the 1999 Ballon d’Or after dazzling with Barcelona. He played a key role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph before lifting the Champions League with AC Milan in 2003.
(7) Ronaldinho
The ever smiling and dancing Brazilian genius graced the football world with his amazing skills claimed the 2005 Ballon d’Or, danced his way to World Cup glory in 2002, and orchestrated Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League triumph, leaving a legacy of pure joy and artistry.
(8) Kaká
The Brazilian is referred to as one of the meekest footballer that has ever played the game. Kaka won the Ballon d’Or before the emergence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kaká shone for AC Milan, leading them to the 2007 Champions League title, he was a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup squad, his 2007 Ballon d’Or capped a period of breathtaking brilliance.
(9) Lionel Messi
Messi has achieved football’s ultimate treble by winning the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, and the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. He lifted the Champions League trophy four times with Barcelona (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015), guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 with a string of unforgettable performances, and holds a record eight Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). By conquering club football, international football, and individual accolades, Messi has proved to be one of the best players in the world.
(10) Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembélé is the latest player to join football’s most exclusive club by winning the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA World Cup, and the Ballon d’Or. The French winger first tasted global glory with France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, then captured his maiden Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2024/25 season, and capped it all by claiming the 2025 Ballon d’Or, completing the rare treble of club, international, and individual greatness.
