New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- Age has rarely been a barrier to winning the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award. While several players have claimed the coveted honour during their twenties, a select few have managed to earn the recognition well into their thirties.

From Lionel Messi's record-extending triumph in 2023 to Stanley Matthews' historic achievement in the inaugural edition in 1956, the award has witnessed several memorable victories by footballers who continued to perform at the highest level despite advancing age.

Here are five of the oldest players to have won the men's Ballon d'Or.

Stanley Matthews holds the record as the oldest player to win the Ballon d'Or. The English winger was 41 years, 10 months and 17 d...