The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, presented annually by France Football to the best male and female players in the world. The award, first introduced in 1956, has become a symbol of footballing excellence, with its history featuring many of the sport’s greatest names.
The Ballon d’Or Origins and History
The Ballon d’Or was originally conceived by sports journalist Gabriel Hanot, who asked his colleagues to vote for the best European player. Initially, it was only open to European players playing in European clubs, but in 1995 the criteria expanded to include players from any nationality as long as they played for European clubs. In 2007, it became a global award, allowing players from any country and league to be eligible.
Over the years, the award has been won by many of the sport’s legends, such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and George Best. More recently, it has been dominated by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have won the award multiple times.
Criteria and Selection Process of Ballon d’Or Winner
The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on a vote by a panel of international journalists, national team coaches, and captains. The voting criteria include:
- Individual performance and consistency throughout the year.
- Team success, particularly in major tournaments and leagues.
- Talent and fair play, recognizing players who uphold the sport’s highest standards.
Voters rank their top five players, and points are awarded based on their positions in the rankings.
Recent Ballon d’Or Winners and Trends
In the last decade, the Ballon d’Or has seen Messi and Ronaldo dominate, with Messi winning a record seven times, while Ronaldo has claimed it five times. However, players like Luka Modrić (2018) and Karim Benzema (2022) have broken this duopoly, highlighting the recognition of standout performers in particular seasons.
The 2024 edition promises to be highly competitive, with players like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi in contention, showcasing a mix of established icons and rising stars.
Ballon d’Or Féminin
Introduced in 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin honors the best female footballer in the world. It reflects the growing prominence of women’s football, with winners like Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Alexia Putellas making their mark on the global stage.
Overall, the Ballon d’Or remains a celebration of the sport’s elite, recognizing the highest level of individual and team achievements.
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