Which Goalkeeper Made History by Claiming the Prestigious Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d'Or has traditionally been dominated by soccer's most prominent attacking players, with forwards and midfielders frequently stealing the spotlight in the competition for individual honors.

While defenders have occasionally made their mark, goalkeepers have historically found it difficult to earn the same level of recognition, despite being instrumental to their teams' achievements.

Claiming the prestigious accolade is a rare feat for any player, but for a goalkeeper, the challenge is even more daunting. Only one shot-stopper has ever taken home the honor, leaving countless legendary goalkeepers unable to replicate that extraordinary accomplishment.

So, who was the last—and only—goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or, and what made his triumph so remarkable?

Who Was the Last Goalkeeper to Win the Ballon d'Or?

Soviet icon Lev Yashin remains the sole goalkeeper ever to have won the Ballon d'Or, securing the honor in 1963 ahead of AC Milan's Gianni Rivera and Tottenham Hotspur and England forward Jimmy Greaves.

Dressed in his signature all-black kit and renowned for his breathtaking saves, Yashin became one of soccer's most legendary figures, earning the monikers "Black Spider" and "Black Panther." Yet his legacy extended well beyond his striking appearance. Tall, athletic and remarkably nimble, he helped transform the art of goalkeeping, blending razor-sharp reflexes with commanding presence, outstanding positional awareness and an extraordinary ability to save penalties.

Yashin claimed the award on the back of an exceptional season for both club and country.

He guided Dynamo Moscow to the Soviet league title for the fifth time during his career and earned inclusion in World XI selections recognized by World Soccer magazine and FIFA.

He also shone in the celebrated England vs. Rest of the World exhibition match at Wembley in 1963. At 34 years old, Yashin delivered a series of stunning saves, thwarting several of England's top attackers, including Ballon d'Or rival Greaves.

More than six decades on, no goalkeeper has come close to matching his historic achievement.