The Ballon d’Or is a symbol of excellence in football, awarded annually to the top male and female players. Established by France Football in 1956, the award considers the performances of the preceding season. Known as the ‘Golden Ball,’ it assesses not only goal-scoring but also a player’s contributions, consistency, conduct, impact on key matches, and leadership. Since 2024, the award is co-organized by UEDA and Groupe Amaury. The winner is determined by votes from journalists globally. Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or an unprecedented eight times, cementing his status as a football icon. Other notable winners include Cristiano Ronaldo, Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and Marco van Basten. The upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris will be a much-anticipated event.
