What is "ballon d or"?

The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. It is an annual award presented by France Football magazine to the best male football player in the world. The award was first introduced in 1956 and is considered the highest accolade a player can receive in the sport.

The Ballon d'Or, which translates to "Golden Ball" in English, is voted for by a panel of international journalists, coaches, national team captains, and managers. The voting is based on the performance of the players throughout the calendar year, including their achievements in club and international competitions. The criteria for selecting the winner include individual skill, team success, leadership qualities, and overall contribution to the sport.

Over the years, the Ballon d'Or has been won by some of the greatest footballers in history, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Diego Maradona. These players have consistently displayed exceptional talent, skill, and dedication to the sport, earning them multiple Ballon d'Or trophies.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the Ballon d'Or award in recent years, with both players winning multiple times. Messi has won the award seven times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021), while Ronaldo has won it five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo has been a focal point of the award ceremony, with fans and experts often debating who is the better player.

In addition to Messi and Ronaldo, other players have also been recognized for their outstanding performances and have won the Ballon d'Or. For example, Luka Modric won the award in 2018 after leading Croatia to the World Cup final and winning the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. Modric's win was seen as a break in the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo and highlighted the importance of team success in the voting process.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony is a highly anticipated event in the football calendar, with the winner receiving the prestigious trophy in front of an audience of fellow players, coaches, and journalists. The award is seen as a symbol of excellence in the sport and is often used as a measure of a player's legacy and impact on the game.

In recent years, the Ballon d'Or has faced criticism for its selection process and voting system. Some critics argue that the award is biased towards players from certain countries or leagues, while others believe that individual awards should not be the sole measure of a player's success. Despite these criticisms, the Ballon d'Or remains a coveted prize for footballers around the world.

The Ballon d'Or award has also expanded to include a separate category for the best female football player in the world. The women's Ballon d'Or was first introduced in 2018 and has since been won by players such as Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan. The introduction of the women's award has been seen as a positive step towards recognizing the talent and achievements of female footballers on the global stage.

In conclusion, the Ballon d'Or is a prestigious award that recognizes the best male and female football players in the world. The award is based on a player's individual skill, team success, and overall contribution to the sport, and is voted for by a panel of international journalists, coaches, and players. The winners of the Ballon d'Or are considered the elite of the football world and have left a lasting legacy on the sport. Despite some criticisms, the Ballon d'Or remains a highly respected and sought-after prize in the world of football.