History of the FIFA Ballon d’Or Award
The FIFA Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in the world of football. Its history spans decades, celebrating the most outstanding players to ever grace the sport. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its global prominence today, the Ballon d’Or has evolved alongside the game itself, becoming a symbol of footballing excellence and aspiration.
Origins: The Birth of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or, which means “Golden Ball” in French, was first awarded in 1956 by the French magazine France Football. The initial concept was simple yet groundbreaking: to honor the best European footballer each year as voted by a panel of journalists. The first recipient was England’s Stanley Matthews, setting the stage for a legacy of recognizing footballing greatness12.
Expanding Horizons: Changing Eligibility
For decades, the award was exclusive to European players. This changed in 1995, when the eligibility rules were broadened to include players of any nationality who played for European clubs. This pivotal shift allowed non-European stars, such as Liberia’s George Weah, to compete for and win the coveted prize—Weah became the first African and non-European recipient that same year2.
The next major expansion came in 2007, when the Ballon d’Or opened its doors to players from leagues all around the world, making it a truly global recognition of footballing talent2.
The FIFA Era: Merging with World Player of the Year
In 2010, the Ballon d’Or underwent a significant transformation. FIFA and France Football merged their respective annual awards—the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or—to create the FIFA Ballon d’Or3. This collaboration brought together the authority of both organizations, with winners now chosen by a combination of journalists, national team coaches, and captains.
This era was dominated by the legendary rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won the first three FIFA Ballon d’Or titles (2010, 2011, 2012), with Ronaldo claiming the next two (2013, 2014). Messi secured the final FIFA Ballon d’Or in 20153.
Returning to Tradition: Post-2016 Developments
After 2015, FIFA and France Football ended their partnership. The Ballon d’Or reverted to being organized solely by France Football, returning to its journalist-based voting system. Meanwhile, FIFA launched a new award, The Best FIFA Men’s Player, to continue recognizing football’s elite3.
The Ballon d’Or has continued to grow in prestige and global recognition, with winners like Luka Modrić (2018), Lionel Messi (2019, 2021, 2023), and others cementing their place in football history1.
Unforgettable Moments and Records
Throughout its history, the Ballon d’Or has produced memorable moments and notable records:
- Lev Yashin, the legendary Russian goalkeeper, is the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or (1963).
- Ronaldo Nazário became the youngest winner at 21 years and 96 days in 1997.
- Lionel Messi holds the record for most Ballon d’Or wins, with eight as of 2023.
- The award was not presented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic—an unprecedented interruption in its history12.
The Ballon d’Or Today
Today, the Ballon d’Or remains the ultimate individual accolade in football, with its annual ceremony watched by millions worldwide. It stands as the pinnacle of personal achievement, with every professional footballer dreaming of one day holding the golden trophy. As the sport continues to evolve, the Ballon d’Or will undoubtedly maintain its status as the most coveted recognition of footballing excellence.
Watch: The Legacy of the Ballon d’Or
This recent video explores the legacy and meaning of the Ballon d'Or, offering insights into its greatest moments and winners.