The Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed one of the most memorable years in football’s modern history.
The 2012 calendar year was defined by dazzling individual brilliance, record-breaking numbers, and unforgettable moments.
Fans across the globe were eager to see who would come out on top — would Lionel Messi extend his reign, would Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance with Real Madrid be rewarded, or could Andrés Iniesta’s heroics for Spain finally push him to the crown?
When the Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed the results, debates erupted everywhere — in the press, on television, and among football fans.
The year captured the perfect blend of individual achievement and collective success, making this Ballon d’Or edition one of the most debated in history.
Read also: Ballon d’Or 2008 Rankings: Messi or Ronaldo?
Who Was Crowned Ballon d’Or 2012?
Lionel Messi was crowned the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, writing history by becoming the first player ever to win the award four times in a row.
The Argentine forward left no doubt with his record-breaking numbers and unmatched consistency.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta had outstanding seasons, Messi’s dominance — especially his 91 goals in the calendar year — placed him in a league of his own.
Messi Ballon d’Or Winner 2012 – Why He Deserved It
Messi’s triumph in the Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed was more than just another trophy.
It was the culmination of an extraordinary year that set new standards in football.
- Unprecedented goal-scoring record
Messi scored 91 goals in 2012, surpassing Gerd Müller’s long-standing record.
This feat alone made him the overwhelming favorite. - Consistency at the highest level
Whether in La Liga, Champions League, or international fixtures, Messi was decisive in nearly every match.
His performances carried Barcelona and confirmed his global status. - Strong competition from rivals
Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to a La Liga title with incredible scoring numbers, while Iniesta inspired Spain to Euro 2012 glory.
Despite this, Messi’s unmatched statistics gave him the edge. - Voting outcome
Messi won with 41.60% of the votes, Ronaldo followed with 23.68%, and Iniesta came third with 10.91%. The margin showed just how impactful Messi’s year was.
Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed: Top 10 Players
Here’s the full list of the Top 10 players in the Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed, with their clubs, countries, and vote percentages:
| Rank | Player | Club(s) in 2012 | Nationality | Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona | Argentina | 41.60 % |
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Real Madrid | Portugal | 23.68 % |
| 3 | Andrés Iniesta | Barcelona | Spain | 10.91 % |
| 4 | Xavi Hernández | Barcelona | Spain | 4.08 % |
| 5 | Radamel Falcao | Atlético Madrid | Colombia | 3.67 % |
| 6 | Iker Casillas | Real Madrid | Spain | 3.18 % |
| 7 | Andrea Pirlo | Juventus | Italy | 2.66 % |
| 8 | Didier Drogba | Chelsea / Shanghai Shenhua | Ivory Coast | 2.60 % |
| 9 | Robin van Persie | Arsenal / Manchester United | Netherlands | 1.45 % |
| 10 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Milan / Paris Saint-Germain | Sweden | 1.24 % |
The Ballon d’Or 2012 Rankings Revealed a moment of pure history: Messi lifting his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or.
Don’t miss: Ballon d’Or 2009 Rankings: Messi or Ronaldo?
While Ronaldo and Iniesta both had strong cases, Messi’s breathtaking record of 91 goals and his decisive impact across competitions made him the undisputed winner.
This edition remains iconic, symbolizing an era of Barcelona’s dominance and Messi’s unparalleled brilliance — a year where the numbers, the votes, and the performances all aligned to confirm his greatness.
