Ballon d'Or: What It Is and Why It Matters
Ever wondered why the Ballon d'Or name pops up every time a big football star scores? It’s the world’s most respected individual award for soccer players. Voted by journalists, coaches and captains, it recognises the best performer over a season. If you’re into the game, knowing the award’s basics helps you follow the buzz around every shortlist.
How the Ballon d'Or Works
The voting process is simple. A panel of experts gets a list of players and ranks them from first to fifth. Points are assigned – 5 for first, 4 for second, and so on. The player with the highest total wins. Because the panel includes people from different countries, the award usually reflects a global view of performance, not just a single league.
Eligibility is open to any male player who played in the qualifying period, which runs from 1 July to 30 June. That means a player who shines in the Champions League, domestic league or international tournaments can get noticed. The award ceremony is a big event, often held in Paris, with trophies, speeches and a lot of media hype.
Big Names and Memorable Moments
Since its start in 1956, legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Zinedine Zidane have lifted the trophy. More recently, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo turned the award into a rivalry, each winning multiple times. Messi’s seventh win in 2023 set a record; Ronaldo’s five wins keep him in the elite club.
Every decade brings fresh faces. In 2022, Karim Benzema surprised many by taking the award after a stellar season with Real Madrid. The 2024 shortlist featured Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Kevin De Bruyne – showing the mix of youth and experience that shapes modern football.
For the 2025 edition, keep an eye on the ongoing Champions League and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Players who dominate both club and country often have the edge. If a newcomer breaks a scoring record or leads a team to an unexpected title, expect their name to appear early in the voting list.
Why should you care? The Ballon d'Or not only celebrates individual brilliance but also highlights trends in the sport. It shows which playing styles are valued, which leagues produce top talent, and how players adapt to different competitions. Following the award gives you a quick snapshot of who’s shaping the game right now.
Got a favorite player? Check the official shortlist when it drops, join the conversation on social media, and see how the votes stack up. Whether you’re a casual fan or a coach looking for inspiration, the Ballon d'Or offers a clear picture of football excellence.
Kieran Lockhart, Jun, 1 2025
Ousmane Dembélé, once labeled a Barcelona transfer bust, has found new life at PSG. After a rough start in Paris, he's become a key player and now stands among Ballon d'Or favorites thanks to his crucial goals and renewed form, turning critics into admirers.
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