This year’s transfer window featured several players with a history at the ‘Ballon d'Or’.

Many top-class international players with long and distinguished careers have moved to new clubs ahead of the 2026–27 season.

From legends trying their luck on new continents to transfers between European giants.

We take a look at the most notable moves of the transfer window and the mark left by their protagonists on the most prestigious trophy on the planet.

Ballon d'Or stars who have changed teams

  • Robert Lewandowski
  • Antoine Griezmann
  • Casemiro
  • Bernardo Silva
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
  • Denzel Dumfries
  • Alejandro Grimaldo
  • Mohamed Salah

Robert Lewandowski: From FC Barcelona to Chicago Fire

Major League Soccer (MLS) welcomes an absolute goal-scoring legend with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski at Chicago Fire.

After his contract with FC Barcelona expired and he became a free agent, the Polish striker has brought his brilliant spell in European football to a close to embark on a new adventure in the United States.

The 37-year-old striker has been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ a total of nine times throughout his career. His finest moment came in 2021, when he finished in a historic second place.

Meanwhile, at the 2022 awards ceremony, Lewandowski was awarded the Gerd Müller Trophy after being crowned the season’s top scorer.

Mohamed Salah: From Liverpool to Trabzonspor

After nine glorious seasons, Mohamed Salah bade farewell to Liverpool to begin a new era in Turkish football.

At 34, the Pharaoh signed with Trabzonspor as a free agent, aiming to dethrone the Istanbul giants.

The Turkish club finalized the biggest signing in its history, securing the services of the six-time Ballon d'Or nominee.

Antoine Griezmann: From Atlético Madrid to Orlando City

Antoine Griezmann has brought a golden era at Atlético Madrid to a close to join the ranks of Orlando City.

The talented French forward is embarking on his MLS adventure as a free agent after ending his spell with Atlético Madrid.

His record at the ‘Ballon d'Or’ awards is impeccable, having received a total of five nominations throughout his career.

The French international made it onto the podium on two occasions, finishing third in both the 2016 and 2018 editions.

Casemiro: From Manchester United to Inter Miami

Inter Miami continues to bring in world-class players following the signing of Casemiro from the English league.

The Brazilian, formerly of Real Madrid, joins the Florida-based club as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Manchester United.

The midfielder also knows what it’s like to be counted amongst the world’s elite, having been nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2022. On that occasion, he finished 17th in the rankings.

Bernardo Silva: From Manchester City to Real Madrid

One of the summer’s most high-profile moves involves Bernardo Silva, who signed for Real Madrid after bringing a glorious spell at Manchester City to a close.

The brilliant Portuguese midfielder joins the Whites after his contract expired and he became a free agent from the English side.

The Portuguese footballer has an impressive track record at the awards, having been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ on three occasions.

Bernardo has made it into the world’s top 10 on two occasions, achieving an outstanding 9th place at both the 2019 and 2023 ceremonies.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: From Olympique de Marseille to RC Deportivo

In one of the most talked-about transfers of the window, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined RC Deportivo de La Coruña following the end of his spell in France.

The experienced Gabonese striker joins the Galician club on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Olympique de Marseille.

The African striker has an impressive track record with the award, having been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ three times throughout his career.

His finest moment came in the 2016 edition, when his spectacular goal-scoring prowess in German football saw him finish 11th in the rankings.

Denzel Dumfries: From Inter Milan to Real Madrid

Real Madrid have completed a strategic move to strengthen their right flank with the signing of Denzel Dumfries.

The Dutch international arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu following a transfer agreement with Inter Milan, bringing his imposing physical presence and power down the flank.

His performances at the highest level saw him establish himself among the world’s best footballers, having been nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ on one occasion.

It was in the 2025 edition that Dumfries reached 25th place in the global rankings.

Alejandro Grimaldo: From Bayer Leverkusen to Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid have strengthened their left flank with the signing of Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spanish full-back returns to LaLiga on a permanent transfer to join Diego Simeone’s side.

Grimaldo’s breakthrough on the world football stage was cemented after he was nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award in 2024, following an outstanding season with the German club and the Spanish national team, which won the European Championship.

Will any more players be signed during this transfer window?