El balón de o en los ganadores más jóvenes

The Ballon d'Or's first ever victor remains its oldest. Stanley Matthews scooped the inaugural award in 1956 at an astounding 41 years old.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, there have been some remarkably youthful past winners.

While no teenager has claimed soccer’s most coveted individual prize—yet, at least—there have been an array of up-and-coming world-beaters that have been crowned the planet's best at a tender age.

Only one Ballon d'Or victor has been presented with the award prior to their 22nd birthday, topping a list of young superstars that have revolutionised football throughout the years.

Here are the 10 youngest Ballon d'Or winners ever.

Luis Suarez is a Spanish football icon. / Getty/Evening Standard

9. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff in action for Ajax. / Getty/Sven Simon

Marco van Basten won three Ballon d'Ors. / Getty/Etsuo Hara

7. Eusebio

Eusebio was the first black player to win the Ballon d'Or. / Getty/Alessandro Sabattini

Cristiano Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or at Manchester United. / IMAGO

5. Oleg Blokhin

Oleg Blokhin was a standout striker for Dynamo Kyiv and the Soviet Union. / Getty/Allsport

George is one of the Best wingers of all-time. / Colorsport/IMAGO

3. Lionel Messi

Messi won his first Ballon d'Or in 2009. / Getty/Jamie McDonald

Michael Owen's career started strong, but was later hampered by injuries. / Getty/Allsport

1. Ronaldo

Ronaldo Nazario was superb for Inter. / Getty/Claudio Villa Archive

READ MORE ON THE RECENT HISTORY OF THE BALLON D’OR