These greats have won the “Holy Trinity” of football!

The FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Ballon d’Or form football's "Holy Trinity." The World Cup, the pinnacle of football, sees the best national teams vying for glory. The Euros, Europe's premier competition, is the second most-watched football tournament. The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football since 1956, honours the best footballer of the year. Only a few elite players have achieved the remarkable feat of winning all three prestigious accolades. Here’s a look at those extraordinary footballers who have claimed this rare triple crown.

Franz Beckenbauer

The German legend Franz Beckenbauer is the only defender to win the Ballon d’Or twice, in 1972 and 1976. He is credited with inventing the sweeper role, a defensive position that also supports the attack. Beckenbauer led West Germany to victory in the 1974 World Cup and the 1972 European Championship. After failing in 1966 and 1970, West Germany triumphed in 1974. In 1972, they defeated the Soviet Union 3-0 in the Euro final. Beckenbauer’s achievements place him among the few who have won all three prestigious accolades, proving his legacy as a football and German icon.

Gerd Müller 

Another German legend, Gerd Müller, also made this elite list. Renowned for his clinical goal-scoring, Müller was a key player for Bayern Munich and the national team. His stellar performances for Germany earned him the 1970 Ballon d’Or, particularly after scoring 10 goals in the World Cup that year. In the 1974 World Cup, Müller’s decisive goal in the final against the Netherlands secured the trophy for West Germany. Additionally, he netted four goals in the 1972 European Championship, helping West Germany win by defeating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final. Müller’s contributions sealed his place among football’s all-time greats.

Zinedine Zidane

Often regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Zinedine Zidane’s inclusion on this exclusive list comes as no surprise. Zidane led France to World Cup glory in 1998, playing a key role throughout the tournament. He dominated the final against Brazil, scoring two headers in the first half, and was named Man of the Match after France’s victory. Following the 1998 World Cup, Zidane was instrumental in France’s 2000 European Championship win, where they defeated Italy 2-1 in the final, and he was named Player of the Tournament. Zidane’s key performances for France and Juventus earned him the 1998 Ballon d’Or. His contributions to France’s World Cup victory and his 31 goals for Juventus, which helped secure the Serie A title, highlighted his exceptional talent.

Zidane as the Manager of Real Madrid

Lothar Matthäus

Lothar Matthäus, Germany's most-capped player with 150 appearances, has played in nine major international tournaments. He is also among the select few to have played in five FIFA World Cups. Matthäus debuted for West Germany in 1980 and was part of the squad that won the European Championship that year. Despite early struggles, including losing consecutive World Cup finals in 1982 and 1986 against Italy and Argentina, Matthäus eventually led West Germany to victory in the 1990 FIFA World Cup as captain. He scored four goals from midfield during the tournament, including a brace in the opening match and a crucial goal in the quarterfinals.

These players are not only greats from their era, but their impact and style reverberate across football even today!