Winning the World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and Champions League is every footballer’s dream.

But it’s an extraordinary achievement that just a handful of footballers have managed to achieve over the years.

These players didn’t just drop individual brilliance on the field or dominate their leagues, they also led their nations to glory, which makes it very unique and worth the hype.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi joined this class of giants with Argentina in 2022 with their World Cup win.

This followed after being a quadruple crown holder and Champions League winner with Barcelona (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015).

Messi also boasts 8 Ballon d’Or titles, making him one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho, Brazil’s icon, lifted the World Cup in 2002, made his way to the 2006 Champions League with Barcelona, and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

His skills and joy gave life to football.

He is one of the few players that even rival fans couldn’t afford to hate.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane conquered the world with France in 1998 and won the Ballon d’Or the very same year.

He did a double at the world stage.

His legendary volley in the 2002 Champions League final for Real Madrid remains one of the most celebrated goals in the history of football.

Kaka

Kaka is one of the few great players that people do not really talk about.

He handled himself with respect during his era. No drama, just pure football.

Just like Ronaldinho, he was also part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team.

He again triumphed with AC Milan in 2007 when they ran riot in the Champions League campaign, which made him a Ballon d’Or winner that season.

His elegance and humility made him stand out in a golden era.

Rivaldo

Rivaldo won the World Cup in the year 2002, the Champions League with AC Milan a year later, and the Ballon d’Or in 1999.

He produced some of the world’s most celebrated goals ever with his powerful left foot.

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the most popular names amongst Manchester United fans, led England to their World Cup victory in 1966, won Ballon d’Or that very year, and added a European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, which was their first of the many won years later.

Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller

Both Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller dominated the 1970s.

Beckenbauer won the World Cup in 1974, went ahead to win three European glories with Bayern Munich, and two Ballon d’Ors.

Müller, on his path, matched him with a World Cup with Germany, three European Cups, and a Ballon d’Or in 1970.

Paolo Rossi

Paolo Rossi joined the World’s debate by winning the World Cup with Italy in 1982 and being crowned Ballon d’Or the same year.

He completed the hat-trick by winning the Champions League with Juventus in 1985.

These players didn’t just dominate the beautiful game for years. They terrorised opponents and left fans salivating for more.

A photo collage of Lionel Messi, Zinedane Zidane and Sir Bobby Charlton. PHOTO/Barcelona/Zinedane Zidane News/The Independent.