German Football's Ballon d'Or Drought Continues: 30 Years and Counting

German Footballers Struggle to Win Ballon d'Or: A Decades-Long Drought BERLIN - It's been nearly 30 years since a German footballer last won the prestigious Ballon d'Or, the sport's most coveted individual prize. Despite their country's rich football history and recent successes on the pitch, German players have failed to capture the award since Matthias Sammer in 1996. Sammer's win was a culmination of an impressive season for both club and country. He led Borussia Dortmund to Champions League victory just months after guiding Germany to European Championship glory. The drought that followed has seen other nations dominate the Ballon d'Or, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé claiming the award multiple times. German footballers have had their share of success in recent years, particularly at club level. Bayern Munich's Champions League titles in 2013, 2020, and 2021 are a testament to the country's continued dominance on the pitch. Players like Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Müller have been instrumental in these successes, but the Ballon d'Or has remained elusive. "I think it's a combination of factors," said former German international and current coach, Joachim Löw. "We've had some great players over the years, but maybe we haven't had that one player who stands out above the rest. And sometimes, it's just about being in the right place at the right time." Löw's words are echoed by football analysts, who point to the changing landscape of world football as a contributing factor. "The game has become more globalized," said DW sports analyst, Stefan Bierling. "Players from other countries are now competing on an equal level with Germans. It's not just about talent; it's also about experience and adaptability." Despite these challenges, German football remains one of the most successful in the world. The country's national team has won the FIFA World Cup twice, and their clubs continue to dominate European competitions. As the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony approaches, German fans will be eagerly watching to see if any of their players can break the drought. For now, it remains a mystery why German footballers have struggled to win the award, but one thing is certain: the country's rich football heritage and talented players will continue to inspire hope for success. Background The Ballon d'Or has been awarded annually since 1956 to recognize the best player in European football. German players have won the award a total of five times: Gerd Müller (1970, 1972), Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (1980). Statistics Matthias Sammer last won the Ballon d'Or in 1996. Bayern Munich has won three Champions League titles since 2013. Germany's national team has won two FIFA World Cup titles. Next Developments The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in December. German fans will be watching closely to see if any of their players can break the drought and claim the award for the first time in nearly three decades. *Reporting by Dw.*