The Glittering History of the Ballon d’Or: Football’s Most Prestigious Individual Prize
The Ballon d’Or, football’s most iconic individual award, has stood for over six decades as the ultimate recognition of brilliance on the pitch. Established in 1956 by France Football magazine, the award was originally created to honor the best European player plying his trade on the continent. Over the years, the trophy has evolved into a truly global symbol of footballing excellence.
The Origins (1956–1994)
French sports journalist Gabriel Hanot, then editor of France Football, spearheaded the creation of the Ballon d’Or. The inaugural edition in 1956 crowned Sir Stanley Matthews, the legendary English winger, as the first-ever winner. At the time, only European players playing in Europe were eligible. This meant legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona were excluded from contention, despite their dominance on the world stage.
Throughout this early period, the award was dominated by European greats. Players like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten each won the award three times, cementing their place in football history.
A Global Expansion (1995–2006)
A major milestone came in 1995, when eligibility was extended to non-European players at European clubs. This change allowed African striker George Weah, then starring at AC Milan, to become the first non-European winner of the Ballon d’Or.
The new rules opened the door for global stars like Ronaldo Nazário, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho to shine. During this era, Ronaldo became the youngest player ever to win the award (in 1997 at just 21 years old).
Merger with FIFA and the Messi-Ronaldo Era (2010–2015)
In 2010, France Football and FIFA joined forces, merging the Ballon d’Or with FIFA’s World Player of the Year award to create the FIFA Ballon d’Or. This six-year union coincided with the dominance of **Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared the trophy year after year.
Messi, then with Barcelona, won four consecutive titles between 2009 and 2012, while Ronaldo claimed his share in 2008, 2013, and 2014. Their rivalry turned the award into one of football’s most anticipated annual spectacles.
Return to Tradition and New Horizons (2016–Present)
In 2016, the partnership between FIFA and France Football ended, and the Ballon d’Or returned to its original branding. Meanwhile, FIFA launched its own award, The Best FIFA Men’s Player. Despite the split, the Ballon d’Or retained its unrivaled prestige.
The Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, which spanned more than a decade, eventually gave way to new names. In 2018, Luka Modrić broke the cycle, becoming the first midfielder in over a decade to win. In 2022, Karim Benzema earned his first Ballon d’Or after leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory.
Messi, however, remained a dominant force. His 2021 triumph, after inspiring Argentina to Copa América success, brought his tally to seven—a record. He added an eighth in 2023 following Argentina’s World Cup victory, further solidifying his legendary status.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or
In 2018, France Football introduced the Ballon d’Or Féminin, recognizing the best female footballer in the world. Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural edition. Since then, the women’s award has gained global attention, with stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí claiming the honor.
The Ballon d’Or Today
Today, the Ballon d’Or is celebrated not only as an award but also as a reflection of football’s evolving story—from Matthews in 1956 to Messi in 2023. It remains the most coveted individual accolade in the sport, awarded annually at a glittering ceremony in Paris.
For players, lifting the Ballon d’Or is more than recognition—it is immortality in football’s history books.