Ballon d'Or · History

One of the most coveted awards in the history of soccer, the Ballon d'Or represents the pinnacle of individual recognition in the sport since its foundation in 1956. The award, created by the French magazine France Football, was initially intended to honor the best player in a European league, and was limited exclusively to European players. However, over time and with the growth of soccer as a global phenomenon, the award has evolved to recognize the excellence of players from all over the world, becoming a symbol of greatness and prestige.

Origins and European exclusivity

The Ballon d'Or was the brainchild of Gabriel Hanot, a former footballer and journalist who believed in the need for an award for Europe's most outstanding players. In 1956, the award was presented for the first time to Englishman Stanley Matthews, a legend in his country. However, the regulations limited recognition to European-born or naturalized players, which deprived South American stars such as Pelé and Diego Maradona of the award in their early careers. This exclusivity reflected a limited view of the global talent that predominated in Europe at the time.

In 1995, France Football changed the rules, opening up the competition to players from around the world competing in European leagues. That same year, AC Milan's Liberian striker George Weah made history by becoming the first African to win the award. This rule change marked a turning point and allowed players of any nationality to be evaluated on their performance in European leagues, adding diversity and prestige to the award.

Dominance and historical rivalries in the award

Since its global opening, the Ballon d'Or has been won by players of various nationalities, but some eras have been dominated by particular stars who revolutionized the game. In the 1970s, Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer marked the history of the award by lifting the trophy on multiple occasions, the first to embody the role of international soccer icons. In the 1980s, Michel Platini won the award three times in a row, a record that cemented his status in European soccer.

However, no rivalry has been as intense as the one between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2000s and 2010s. Both accumulated 13 trophies between 2008 and 2023, polarizing fans and elevating the Ballon d'Or to unprecedented levels of global attention. Lionel Messi, in particular, holds a record eight Ballon d'Ors, followed by Ronaldo with five, cementing its status as one of the most hotly contested and admired individual awards in soccer history.

The brief merger with FIFA and a return to its origins

The growing popularity of the Ballon d'Or led FIFA to collaborate with France Football in 2010 to create a unified award, the FIFA Ballon d'Or. This agreement lasted until 2016, and during those years, the trophy included votes from journalists, managers and national team captains, broadening the scope and opinions involved in the selection process. However, the system was not without criticism for possible bias.

In 2016, France Football decided to dissolve the alliance and return to the original format, in which only specialized journalists choose the winner. This decision sought to restore the integrity and neutrality of the award, preserving the European perspective that had always characterized it and ushering in a new independent era for the Ballon d'Or.

Honorary awards and the Dream Team

Throughout its history, the Ballon d'Or has also recognized iconic figures through special awards. In 1989, Alfredo Di Stéfano, a Real Madrid legend, received the Super Ballon d'Or, a unique honor bestowed in recognition of his unparalleled impact on European soccer. Likewise, in 1995, Diego Maradona was awarded the Honorary Ballon d'Or, and in 2014, Pelé won a similar award, in recognition of his talent and legacy, despite not having been eligible in his playing days.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the award due to the cancellation of many competitions, and France Football decided instead to create the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. This all-time dream team included players such as Lev Yashin, Franz Beckenbauer, Diego Maradona, and Pelé, generating strong repercussions among fans and media for their inclusions and notable absences.

The Women's Ballon d'Or: a necessary recognition.

In 2018, France Football launched the Women's Ballon d'Or, a milestone in the history of the award that sought to recognize the talent of female footballers. Norway's Ada Hegerberg was the first to receive it, and since then players such as Megan Rapinoe and Alexia Putellas have been honored for their impact on the sport. This category has helped to make visible and celebrate excellence in women's soccer, increasing its prestige and international recognition.

In 2023, Spain's Aitana Bonmatí was awarded the Women's Ballon d'Or, crowning an exceptional season and symbolizing the rise of female soccer players on a stage previously closed to them.

Lionel Messi: the biggest winner in history

The history of the Ballon d'Or cannot be told without Lionel Messi, who became the player with the most trophies in 2023 after receiving his eighth Ballon d'Or. His consistency, both at club and international level for Argentina, especially with his outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup, cemented his legacy as one of the best of all time. This feat marked a new chapter in the Ballon d'Or, reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious distinctions for a player.