The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football, given each year to the best player on the planet.
But have you ever wondered how the Ballon d'Or winner is chosen? This voting process, which follows a series of precise and meticulous steps, involves experts from all over the world evaluating players' performances. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Ballon d'Or is voted.
Who Organizes the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or is awarded by the French magazine France Football, one of the most influential sports publications in Europe and worldwide. Since its inception in 1956, the Ballon d'Or has evolved, but its goal remains the same: to honor the footballer who has demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the year.
Ballon d'Or Voting Criteria
The voting is carried out by 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Each journalist selects their favorite players and also votes for the Yashin Trophy, which recognizes the best goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best young player, is voted on solely by past Ballon d'Or winners who are still alive.
The journalists from L’Équipe and France Football select 30 male players nominated for the Ballon d'Or and 20 female players for the Women's Ballon d'Or. For the Yashin and Kopa Trophies, a total of ten nominees are chosen.
The player with the most Ballon d'Or wins is Lionel Messi, who claimed eight between 2009 and 2023.
What Period Does the Ballon d'Or Cover?
Since 2022, the Ballon d'Or has been awarded to the best player of the season, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This change was implemented after numerous requests to better reflect players’ performance across a full season cycle.
What Criteria Are Used to Vote for the Ballon d'Or?
Journalists assess the nominees based on the following criteria:
- Individual Performance: Statistics like goals, matches played, and overall impact on the game.
- Team Achievements: Successes with clubs and national teams.
- Public Image: Conduct on and off the field, including fair play and philanthropic actions.
L’Équipe highlights that while the Ballon d'Or is an individual award, collective performance and the player’s ethics are important factors in the final decision.
Rodri, the Ballon d'Or 2024 Winner.
Ballon d'Or Scoring System
The top ten selected players receive points as follows: 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. The player with the most points wins the Ballon d'Or. In case of a tie, it is resolved by the number of first-place votes.
The Ballon d'Or 2024 Winner
The 2024 Ballon d'Or was awarded to Rodri from Manchester City, recognizing his exceptional performance and his key role in his team’s success.
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