Top 10 Ballon d'Or winners of all time

#6 Michel Platini (1984)

Platini served as the President of UEFA

When I was a kid and played with my friends, I always chose to be Platini. I let my friends share the names of my other idols between themselves. — Zinedine Zidane

Nicknamed as Le Roi meaning 'The King', Platini has rightly made the cut to the greatest footballers of all time. Known for his leadership qualities, the legendary Frenchman was the first player to win the Ballon d'Or three times in a row.

A two-footed player is known for his exquisite passing abilities, Platini was the crowned star of Juventus, winning a host of trophies in 1984. The French playmaker beat Jean Tigana and Preben Eikjaer with a mammoth tally of 110 points.

Michel Platini also made his name as a free-kick and penalty specialist. He was extremely dangerous during the set-pieces, hurling the ball in the penalty box and garnering a lot of assists for himself.

The UEFA Euro title in 1984 made Platini as the outright favourite for the most coveted trophy on the individual level for the second time. Platini was at his best that year, also winning the UEFA Super Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners Cup, and the Serie A league title with the Bianconeri. He also earned the title of the Player of the Tournament and the tournament top-scorer award at UEFA Euros.

After his playing days, the French midfielder stepped into management and then became the President of UEFA, although it ended acrimoniously.