Every former Rangers star to make the Ballon d’Or rankings since 1984

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In over 150 years of existence, Rangers have had more than a few decent players on their books.

There have been FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships winners as well as those who have won Champions League or European Cup medals.

The Rangers Hall of Fame is full of celebrated former stars, however, with the latest installment of the Ballon d’Or just around the corner, how many with a Light Blues connection have made it onto the world’s best list?

• READ MORE: Rangers All-Time Record Transfer Sales Including Near £20m Exit

Rangers best to feature on Ballon d’Or list

Inaugurated in 1956, the Ballon d’Or has been largely voted for by journalists throughout its conception by France Football magazine, aside from a brief period where captains and managers of national teams could also vote.

A system that saw the usual levels of tactical voting. Did Lionel Messi ever vote for Cristiano Ronaldo or Ronaldo for Messi?

The 68th edition of the award will take place on Monday, October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, however, there won’t be anyone from Philippe Clement’s squad in attendance. Rangers, sadly, no longer dine at Europe’s top table.

The last Rangers player to make the list is an obvious one in Brian Laudrup.

The Dane might have been below his usual standards for club, however, his form for his country – especially at France ‘98 – saw him in 23^rd place in 1998, as he struggled to adapt to life at Chelsea.

In terms of players with a Rangers connection, Gennaro Gattuso in 2006 ranked 19^th as he set about opposition midfielders and gave those more gifted the platform to play as Italy won the ‘06 European Championships.

Rangers player Ballon d’Or presence since 1984

Here are the players from the last 40 years who have represented Rangers and been recognised on the Ballon d’Or list.

Changed days for Rangers fans who one saw European greats

For those who are old enough to remember, having the legends like Graeme Souness, Gary Stevens, Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley in the team, it only makes the current Europa League squad an even more frustrating one to read.

At one point, all were regarded as one of the best in Europe in their position and it is the same with the two Ukrainians who were tipped to take Rangers to the next level in continental competition.

Alexei Mikhaikichenko – Miko – was a gifted and supremely talented midfielder who won the league in three different countries, including Serie A before joining Rangers as a star for his country on the biggest stage.

Gifted and technical, yes, cut out for the physicality of Scottish football, sometimes not.

Mikhaikichenko played most of his football for Rangers on the left wing with more “robust” options preferred in the middle of the park.

As for Oleg Kuznetsov, the proverbial Rolls Royce centre-half looked set to partner Richard Gough at the heart of Rangers defence for years only to rupture his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee before he had barely played 90 minutes for his new club. He was never the same player again.

Even when signing world class talent like Mikhaikichenko and Kuznetsov, it proves that there are no guarantees. There were flashes of genius from the former that would have made him a fans’ favourite today though.

Football has changed, and unless something drastic happens, the chances of Rangers recruiting players from the class of 2024 seem pretty slim, even with Nils Koppen’s new player trading model.

As Vinicius Jnr showed with his devastating hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund though, he could definitely do a job on Rangers problem left-wing.