Luis Suárez’s 1960 Ballon d’Or Win: FC Barcelona’s First Win and a Milestone in the Club’s History
In 1960, a young Spanish midfielder named Luis Suárez made history by becoming the first FC Barcelona player to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. The Ballon d’Or, which is awarded annually to the best male football player in Europe by a panel of sports journalists from UEFA member countries, was only in its fifth year at the time and still considered a relatively low-key event.
Suárez, who was just 25 years old at the time, had enjoyed a remarkable year, both for his club and his country. He had played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga triumph that year, helping the team to secure their seventh league title.
Note: The Ballon d’Or award was initially only open to European players and was awarded based on performances in European club competitions and international matches involving European national teams. However, in 1995, the rules were changed to allow players from outside Europe to be considered for the award.
Suárez’s performances had not gone unnoticed by the panel of journalists who voted for the Ballon d’Or winner that year. He received a total of 54 points, beating out second-placed Ferenc Puskás of Real Madrid (who received 37 points) and third-placed Uwe Seeler of Hamburger SV (who received 33 points). It was a resounding victory for Suárez and one that cemented his place in football history.
| Rank | Name | Club(s) | Nationality | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luis Suárez | Barcelona | Spain | 54 |
| 2 | Ferenc Puskás | Real Madrid | Hungary | 37 |
| 3 | Uwe Seeler | Hamburger SV | West Germany | 33 |
| 4 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | Real Madrid | Spain[a] | 32 |
| 5 | Lev Yashin | Dynamo Moscow | Soviet Union | 28 |
Luis Suárez’s 1960 Ballon d’Or Win: Paving the Way for FC Barcelona
For FC Barcelona, Suárez’s Ballon d’Or win was a significant achievement. The club had not yet won a European Cup at that point and was still establishing itself as a dominant force in Spain and European football. Suárez’s win put Barcelona on the map and helped to establish the club as a serious contender for major trophies.
Over the years, FC Barcelona players have gone on to win the Ballon d’Or a total of twelve times, with Lionel Messi winning the award a record six times for the club. But it all started with Luis Suárez, who paved the way for future generations of Barcelona players to make their mark on the world stage.
Luis Suárez’s win of the 1960 Ballon d’Or marked a significant milestone in both his career and FC Barcelona’s history. His performances on the pitch that year were nothing short of exceptional, and his win was well-deserved. Suárez will always be remembered as a trailblazer for Barcelona and a true legend of the game.
How old was Luis Suárez when he won the Ballon d’Or award in 1960?
Luis Suárez was 25 years old when he won Ballon d’Or for Barcelona.
What was notable about Luis Suárez’s performances in 1960?
He played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga triumph that year, helping the team to secure their seventh league title.
Who did Luis Suárez beat to win the Ballon d’Or award in 1960?
He beat Ferenc Puskás of Real Madrid (who received 37 points) and Uwe Seeler of Hamburger SV (who received 33 points).
Who holds the record for winning the Ballon d’Or the most times for FC Barcelona?
Lionel Messi holds the record for winning the Ballon d’Or the most times for FC Barcelona with 6 awards.
How did Luis Suárez’s win of the 1960 Ballon d’Or mark a significant milestone?
It was a significant achievement for both his career and FC Barcelona’s history and helped to establish the club as a dominant force in Spain and European football.
Also Read: Top 5 Clubs with the Most Ballon d’Or; Barcelona or Real Madrid?