Barça Players Win Ballon d'Or After Departure

Barcelona's Ronaldo Nazário won his first Ballon d'Or in 1997 after his stellar 1996-97 season with the club, but received the honor while playing for Inter Milan. Three years later, Luis Figo won the 2000 Ballon d'Or after leaving Barcelona for Real Madrid, causing additional pain for Barça fans who saw their rival celebrate having the world's best player. somethingsdifferent.biz

Now, history could repeat with Rodrigo Hernández, who may win the 2026 Ballon d'Or after standout performances at the World Cup. If Hernández wins the prestigious award after potentially leaving Barcelona, it would continue the pattern of Barça producing Ballon d'Or winners who ultimately represent other clubs.