12 footballers who could have won the Ballon d’Or if Messi and Ronaldo were never born

4. Franck Ribery

In 2013, the France and Bayern Munich striker became part of the long list of players that were outshined by the duo of Messi and Ronaldo as he also came third in the award.

5. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer for many years has been referred to as the best goalkeeper in the world and to throw in a little bit of banter he has also been called the best sweeper defender in the world. The Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper came third in the 2014 edition of the Ballon D’or award adding to the ever-growing list of the ones that could have been.