The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, celebrating players whose performances have defined generations. Established in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the award has evolved from a European honour into a global recognition of footballing excellence. From Stanley Matthews and Johan Cruyff to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, its history reflects the sport’s greatest achievements and rivalries.
How Was the Ballon d’Or Created in 1956?
The Ballon d’Or was introduced in 1956 by France Football to recognise the best footballer in Europe. English winger Stanley Matthews became the first winner, following his impressive performances for Blackpool.
Initially, the award was restricted to European players competing for European clubs, with specialist football journalists voting for the winner. This meant legendary players from other continents could not qualify, regardless of their achievements.
During its early years, the award recognised icons such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Raymond Kopa, Eusébio and Bobby Charlton, establishing its reputation as a symbol of individual excellence.
How the Ballon d’Or Eligibility Rules Changed
One of the most significant moments in the award's history came in 1995, when eligibility expanded to include players of any nationality playing for European clubs. Liberia's George Weah made history that year by becoming the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or.
In 2007, the award became truly global, allowing footballers playing anywhere in the world to compete, regardless of nationality.
These changes reflected football's growing international reach and allowed the award to recognise a wider range of players and achievements.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or Era: 2010 to 2015
In 2010, France Football and FIFA combined the Ballon d’Or with FIFA's World Player of the Year award, creating the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
This partnership coincided with the emergence of an extraordinary rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won the first four awards of the merged era, from 2010 to 2012, while Ronaldo claimed the 2013 and 2014 honours. Messi won again in 2015.
The partnership ended in 2016, and France Football resumed presenting the Ballon d’Or independently.
The Rise of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
The modern history of the Ballon d’Or is closely associated with Messi and Ronaldo, who dominated the award for more than a decade.
Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, extending his record tally after Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Ronaldo, meanwhile, collected five awards, reflecting his extraordinary scoring record and success with Manchester United & Real Madrid.
However, other players have also broken their dominance. Luka Modrić won in 2018 after helping Real Madrid secure the Champions League and leading Croatia to the World Cup final. Karim Benzema followed in 2022, while Manchester City's Rodri claimed the 2024 award.
When Was the Women's Ballon d’Or Introduced?
The Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced in 2018 to recognise the world's best female footballer. Norway's Ada Hegerberg became its inaugural winner, marking an important milestone for women's football.
Megan Rapinoe won in 2019, followed by Spain's Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022. Aitana Bonmatí subsequently won three consecutive awards from 2023 to 2025, underlining her influence on the international game.
How the Ballon d’Or Is Awarded Today
The award's judging process has developed alongside its growing global profile. Today, specialised international football journalists vote based on individual performances, team achievements, and sporting class and fair play.
Since 2022, the assessment period has followed the football season rather than the calendar year. UEFA and the Amaury Group, which owns France Football, began co-organising the ceremony in 2024, while the publication retains control of the award and voting system.
The ceremony now features additional honours, including the Kopa Trophy for young players, the Yashin Trophy for goalkeepers and the Gerd Müller Trophy for leading goalscorers.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About the Ballon d’Or
1. Who won the first Ballon d’Or?
Stanley Matthews of England won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
2. Who has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the men's record with eight Ballon d’Or victories.
3. When did the Women's Ballon d’Or begin?
The women's award was introduced in 2018, with Ada Hegerberg becoming its first winner.
4. Why was the 2020 Ballon d’Or cancelled?
The award was cancelled in 2020 because the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted football competitions, making it difficult to assess players fairly under the usual criteria.
5. Who organises the Ballon d’Or?
France Football, owned by the Amaury Group, oversees the award and voting system. UEFA has co-organised the ceremony with the Amaury Group since 2024.
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