Gerhard "Gerd" Müller was a German professional footballer. A prolific striker, especially in and around the six-yard box, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport. With success at club and international level, he is one of nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d'Or.
Müller with Bayern Munich in 1973
Müller autographing a football in 1967. To his left are Franz Beckenbauer and Werner Olk
Müller (right) celebrating after winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup. To his left is Wolfgang Overath.
Müller in 2006
The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956 to honour the player deemed to have performed the best over the previous season.
Ballon d'Or trophy
Gianni Rivera hoisting the 1969 Ballon d'Or.
Lionel Messi has won the most Ballons d'Or in history, with eight wins in three different decades. He is also the record holder for most consecutive wins, with four between 2009 and 2012.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or a record eighteen times, and is a five-time winner.