The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, recognizing the best player in the world each year. First awarded in 1956 by France Football, this accolade has honored some of the greatest footballers in history. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything about the Ballon dOr, including live updates, rankings, past winners, and more.
Ballon d’Or Live
Football fans around the world eagerly follow Ballon dOr live updates every year as the award ceremony unfolds. The event is broadcasted on major sports channels and streaming platforms, allowing viewers to watch the prestigious gala in real-time.
To stay updated with Ballon d’Or live, fans can check:
- Official France Football and FIFA websites
- Sports news platforms like ESPN, Sky Sports, and BBC
- Social media updates from renowned football journalists
- YouTube live streams of the event
Ballon d’Or Rankings
Each year, France Football releases a ranking of the top players who were nominated for the Ballon dOr. The rankings are determined by journalists from around the world, who vote based on a player’s performances, achievements, and impact on the game.
The Ballon d’Or rankings typically list the top 30 players, with the top 10 garnering the most attention. Some of the key factors influencing rankings include:
- Club and international performances
- Titles won during the year
- Individual statistics like goals, assists, and clean sheets
- Overall influence on the team
Messi Ballon d’Or
Lionel Messi has the most Ballon dOr history. The Argentine legend has won the award eight times (as of 2023), surpassing all other footballers. His Ballon dOr victories came in the following years:
- 2009 – First win after a historic treble with Barcelona
- 2010-2012 – Three consecutive wins during Barcelona’s golden era
- 2015 – Following Barcelona’s second treble
- 2019 – After an outstanding season with Barcelona
- 2021 – For leading Argentina to Copa América victory
- 2023 – Winning the award after guiding Argentina to World Cup glory
Messi’s consistency, creativity, and goal-scoring ability make him a deserving multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo Ballon d’Or
Cristiano Ronaldo, another football icon, has won the Ballon dOr five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017). Known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, leadership, and work ethic, Ronaldo remains one of the most decorated players in football history.
His Ballon d’Or victories include:
- 2008 – First win with Manchester United after a stellar season
- 2013 & 2014 – Back-to-back wins with Real Madrid
- 2016 – After winning the Champions League and Euro 2016
- 2017 – For his contributions to Real Madrid’s European dominance
Despite intense competition, Ronaldo’s impact on the game ensures his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Ballon d’Or Nominees
Every year, a list of Ballon dOr nominees is released, featuring 30 of the best footballers from across the globe. The selection is based on individual and team performances over the past season.
Notable players frequently making the nominees list include:
- Lionel Messi
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Neymar
- Kylian Mbappé
- Robert Lewandowski
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Karim Benzema
The final voting process determines the top-ranked players, culminating in the crowning of the winner at the Ballon d’Or gala.
Ballon d’Or Date
The Ballon dOr ceremony typically takes place in October or November each year. The exact date is announced by France Football months in advance.
Here’s what happens on Ballon d’Or night:
- Red carpet arrivals of football superstars
- Announcement of Ballon dOr Féminin (women’s award)
- Announcement of Kopa Trophy (best young player)
- Main event: Ballon dOr winner revelation
Football fans around the world eagerly await the official date to watch history being made.
Top 10 Ballon d’Or Winners
Over the years, some legendary players have won multiple Ballon d’Or titles. Here’s a look at the top 10 Ballon dOr winners based on the number of trophies won:
- Lionel Messi – 8 wins
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 wins
- Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten – 3 wins each
- Franz Beckenbauer, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazário, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Kevin Keegan – 2 wins each
These football legends have left an unforgettable mark on the sport with their remarkable skills and performances.
Super Ballon d’Or
The Super Ballon dOr is an extremely rare award, given only once in history. It was awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano in 1989 by France Football for his extraordinary contributions to football. The award recognizes a player’s impact beyond a single season, celebrating an entire career of excellence.
There have been calls for another Super Ballon dOr, with many fans believing Messi deserves this honor after winning the World Cup in 2022 and his eight Ballon dOr titles.