The Ballon d’Or rankings 2013 was one of the most tightly contested editions in recent memory, as football giants like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Franck Ribéry all were in sublime form.
With major trophies, dazzling goals, and consistent performances at club and international level, the top candidates were nearly neck-and-neck.
In the end, votes from captains, journalists, and coaches decided who stood at the top.
Here’s a deep dive into who won, why, and the full top 10 rankings.
Read also: Ballon d’Or 2008 Rankings: Messi or Ronaldo?
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2013?
The winner of the 2013 Ballon d’Or was Cristiano Ronaldo, then representing Real Madrid.
He edged out Lionel Messi and Franck Ribéry in a close vote, claiming his second Ballon d’Or award.
Ronaldo earned approximately 27.99% of the total vote, just ahead of Messi who got 24.72%, with Ribéry narrowly behind in third with around 23.36%.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Ballon d’Or Winner 2013 — Why He Deserved It
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2013 season was a masterpiece.
At Real Madrid, he was prolific — scoring a huge number of goals in La Liga, Champions League, and domestic competitions.
He had a stellar goals-to-game ratio, consistent performances, big moments in high pressure games, plus terrific leadership.
His ability to perform across club and international levels, combined with his physical and technical excellence, gave him the edge.
His accolade in 2013 cemented his status among the football elite, as he managed to outperform not just Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, but also Franck Ribéry, who had enjoyed a spectacular season with Bayern Munich.
Ballon d’Or Rankings 2013: Top 10 Players
Below is a table showing the top 10 players in the official 2013 Ballon d’Or rankings, with their clubs and approximate vote shares.
| Rank | Player | Club(s) in 2013 | Approximate Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | ~27.99% |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona | ~24.72% |
| 3 | Franck Ribéry | Bayern Munich | ~23.36% |
| 4 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Paris Saint-Germain | ~5.29% |
| 5 | Neymar | Santos / Barcelona | ~3.17% |
| 6 | Andrés Iniesta | Barcelona | ~2.08% |
| 7 | Robin van Persie | Manchester United | ~1.79% |
| 8 | Arjen Robben | Bayern Munich | ~1.77% |
| 9 | Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspur / Real Madrid | ~1.32% |
| 10 | Andrea Pirlo | Juventus | ~1.11% |
Beyond the Top 10: Other Notable Nominees
Many other stars were nominated and rewarded for their excellent 2013 campaigns: Radamel Falcao, Yaya Touré, Robert Lewandowski, Philipp Lahm, Xavi, Mesut Özil, and others.
Don’t miss: Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed
While they didn’t crack the top ten, their inclusion reflects how deep the competition was that year.
Ballon d’Or 2013 was not only a win for Cristiano Ronaldo; it was a showcase of football at its highest level.
Messi and Ribéry were extremely close, making it one of the most memorable top-three finishes.
The ranking also confirms how many players had peak years.
For football fans, 2013 remains one of the richest years to revisit when discussing the greats.
