Does Luis Suarez Have Ballon d'Or? A Detailed Look at the Uruguayan Striker’s Career
When football fans search for the phrase “Does Luis Suarez Have Ballon d'Or?” they are usually looking for a quick answer: no, he has never won the award. However, the story behind that simple answer is rich with achievements, near‑misses, and a legacy that places the Uruguayan forward among the modern game’s elite. This article examines Suarez’s career, his closest brushes with the Ballon d'Or, and why the trophy has remained out of reach despite his prolific goal‑scoring record.
Career highlights that put Suarez in Ballon d'Or conversations
Suarez’s reputation as a world‑class striker is built on a series of standout seasons across three major European leagues.
- Ajax (2006‑2011) – 81 goals in 140 Eredivisie appearances; Dutch Footballer of the Year (2009, 2010).
- Liverpool (2011‑2014) – 82 Premier League goals; Premier League Golden Boot (2013‑14); PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2014).
- Barcelona (2014‑2020) – 147 La Liga goals; two consecutive European Golden Shoes (2015‑16, 2015‑16); part of the treble‑winning side in 2014‑15.
- Atlético Madrid (2020‑present) – key contributor to the 2020‑21 La Liga title; continues to score at a high rate into his mid‑30s.
These milestones generated the voting points that placed Suarez on Ballon d’Or shortlists, most notably in 2014 when he finished third behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ballon d'Or voting record
The Ballon d'Or, awarded by France Football, is decided by a panel of journalists who allocate points to their top five players. Suarez’s best performance came in the 2014 edition:
- Lionel Messi – 1,010 points (winner)
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 925 points (runner‑up)