Definition of Ballon d'Or

What is the "Ballon d'Or"? What is the definition of the term "Ballon d'Or"?

The "Ballon d'Or", which translates into "Golden Ball", is an annual award that is presented by France Football Magazine to the male football player who is regarded to be the very best in the world.

The scope of the "Ballon d'Or" has expanded over the years - originally, it was awarded to European players only.





The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, was first presented in 1956 to Stanley Matthews of Blackpool.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the honor in recent years, with Messi winning a record eight times - including the awards in 2019, 2021, and 2023 - and Ronaldo winning five times. Karim Benzema claimed the accolade in 2022, while the 2020 ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic.

In 2018, Luka Modric of Real Madrid broke the Messi - Ronaldo streak by winning the award, with Ronaldo finishing second. Before Modric's win, the last player other than Messi or Ronaldo to receive the award was Kaka of AC Milan in 2007, with Ronaldo, then at Manchester United, as the runner-up.

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The "Ballon d'Or" is the most prestigious individual award in all of football.