About our Ballon d'Or news
Latest news on Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award. Follow winners, nominees, ceremony updates, and rankings from France Football's annual prize for best player.
The Ballon d'Or, established in 1956 by France Football magazine, stands as football's most coveted individual honour. Presented annually to the player deemed to have performed best over the previous season, the award has been won by Lionel Messi a record eight times, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five victories.
Spain's Rodri claimed the most recent Ballon d'Or in 2024, marking a significant moment as the first defensive midfielder to win the award since its inception. The ceremony, now co-organised by UEFA and France Football, features an international jury of specialised journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations selecting winners based on individual performances, team achievements, and sporting conduct.
Beyond its role in recognising excellence, the Ballon d'Or has evolved to celebrate broader achievements in football. The ceremony now includes the Ballon d'Or Féminin for women's football, the Kopa Trophy for young players, the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers, and the Sócrates Award for humanitarian work, reflecting the sport's diverse impact and values.
Throughout its history, the award has undergone significant changes. Initially limited to European players, it expanded in 1995 to include all players at European clubs, and in 2007 became truly global. From 2010 to 2015, it merged with FIFA's World Player of the Year award before returning to its independent status. The 2022 reform shifted focus from calendar year to seasonal performance, modernising the selection process.
The Ballon d'Or remains a crucial barometer of footballing excellence, generating widespread debate and discussion across the sport. Our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ feed provides comprehensive coverage of nominations, winners, ceremony updates, and expert analysis, ensuring followers stay informed about this prestigious award that continues to shape football's narrative.