Ballon d'Or: What It Is and Why Fans Care

The Ballon d'Or is the football world’s most talked‑about prize. Started in 1956 by the French magazine France Football, it celebrates the player who performed best over the season. Every year the name sparks debates, social media wars and endless highlight reels.

If you’re new to the award, think of it as the Oscars for soccer. It’s not just a trophy – it affects contracts, sponsorship deals and a player’s legacy. That’s why even casual fans keep an eye on the shortlist.

How the winner is chosen

The voting panel is made up of journalists from around the globe. Each journalist ranks their top five players, giving 6 points to their first pick, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth and 1 for fifth. The points are added up and the player with the highest total takes home the golden ball.

Since 2016 the vote also includes coaches and captains of national teams, making the process a bit more diverse. This mix of media and football insiders tries to balance hype with actual performance on the pitch.

Legendary winners and records

The list reads like a hall of fame. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominate the modern era, each winning six times. Before them, legends such as Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten each captured three awards.

One standout fact: Messi holds the record for most consecutive wins (four from 2009 to 2012). Ronaldo matched and then surpassed that streak with four straight wins from 2013 to 2016. These records show how rare sustained excellence is in football.

Women’s football got its own Ballon d'Or in 2018, with players like Ada Hegerberg and Alex Morgan earning early honors. The separate award reflects growing respect for the women’s game.

Even beyond the winners, the shortlist tells a story about the season. Players from unexpected clubs often break into the list, giving fans of smaller teams a reason to celebrate.

For motorsport fans who love speed, the Ballon d'Or shares the same thrill of competition. Many drivers follow the award closely, and a few have even joked about swapping helmets for boots in a parallel universe.

Staying up to date is easy. France Football releases the shortlist in October, the final voting in November and the ceremony in December. Social media accounts of the shortlisted players usually post behind‑the‑scenes content, so you get a front‑row seat without leaving your couch.

Bottom line: the Ballon d'Or isn’t just another trophy. It’s a benchmark of greatness, a conversation starter and a career changer. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or a casual observer, knowing the basics helps you join the debate and appreciate the sport’s top performers.