Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is the man of the moment after being named as the winner for the 2017 Ballon d'Or award in a ceremony in Paris on Thursday night, December 7.
The former Manchester United winger has won the Ballon d'Or award five times and he is now on the same level with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi who has also won it five times.
However, there are some players who are now legends despite them not winning the Ballon d'Or award, and here we take a look at seven of them.
1. Thierry Henry
Frenchman Thierry Henry is an Arsenal legend who never won the Ballon d'Or despite his achievement during his playing days for clubs and country.
Henry finished behind Pavel Nedved in 2003 and was also named third in 2006 losing the award to former Italian international Fabio Cannavaro.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry (photo: Goal)
2. Frank Lampard
Englishman Frank Lampard is also a Chelsea legend who was known for his superb styles of play in the midfield before he hanged his boots.
Lampard never won the Ballon d'Or award, but he came close in 2005 when he finished behind former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard (photo: Goal)
3. Steven Gerrard
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard also did not win the Ballon d'Or award till he retired from football, but the Englishman finished third in 2005 behind Lampard and winner Ronaldinho.
Gerrard was impressive for Liverpool in 2005 as he helped the Reds come back from a 3-0 down to beat AC Milan in the final of the Champions League.
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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard (photo: Liverpool)
4. Ryan Giggs
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs was known for his impressive styles of play during his active playing days, but he never won the Ballon d'Or award. He never even made it to the first three during his football career.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs (photo: Goal)
5. Xavi
Spanish professional footballer Xaxi is Barcelona legend who has won everything in football, but never won the Ballon d'Or award.
The 37-year-old came third in 2009 losing to Lionel Messi who won it. He also came third in 2010 and 2011 losing to Lionel Messi.
Barcelona legend Xavi (photo: Sun)
6. Pirlo
Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo was regarded as one of the best midfielders football has ever produced, but the 38-year-old never won the Ballon d'Or award till he retired.
Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo (photo: Goal)
7. Paul Scholes
Englishman Paul Scholes is a Manchester United legend who played his entire professional football career for the Red Devils, but never won the Ballon d'Or.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes (photo: Times)
Earlier, NAIJ.com had reported how Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2017 Ballon d'Or award in Paris.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng