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Defender: Franz Beckenbauer
Very few defenders have won the Ballon d'Or because formations and roles have evolved over the past few decades. More than half a century ago, there was not traditional "back-four" but just one or two defenders and sweepers protecting the goalkeeper.
But one player who redefined the role of the sweeper (libero) was Franz Beckenbauer. Nicknamed Der Kaiser (The Emperor), Beckenbauer dominated the defensive line thanks to his freedom to move around and play the role of an attacking sweeper.
His playing style often stood out, a commanding presence at the back who still played an elegant brand of football. Most sweepers would stay put in their half but not Beckenbauer.
He would pick up the ball and make runs into the opponent's half - the pupper master at the back pulling strings. In a career that spanned nearly 20 years, he won 21 trophies including three Champions League titles, a World Cup, and a Euro.
Beckenbauer also made the Ballon d'Or podium thrice - winning it in 1972 and 1976, finishing runners-up in 1974 and 1975, and finishing third in 1966.
