Ballon d’Or Voting Explained: How Football’s Top Prize Winner Is Chosen
- Think Football Ideas
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
How the Ballon d’Or Winner is Decided: Inside Football’s Prestigious Award Voting, it’s the question on several football fans’ minds each year. This trophy isn’t just a shiny bauble; it’s the ultimate personal glory in a team sport that captures hearts worldwide.
But how exactly does a player go from dazzling on the pitch to clutching that iconic golden ball? Buckle up, because the Ballon d’Or process uncovered: how football’s best player takes home the trophy is a story filled with tradition, drama, and a dash of controversy.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
Let’s rewind to 1956, the year France Football magazine birthed the Ballon d’Or, meaning “Golden Ball” in French. This wasn’t just any award; it was a bold declaration: here’s the prize for the single best footballer on the planet.
Initially, it was exclusive to European players, yes, only Europeans could even dream of winning it. The award has since blossomed into the global benchmark for individual brilliance in football, evolving alongside the sport itself to become the holy grail that several players from every corner of the world crave.
The Nomination Process: Who Makes the Shortlist?
Every year, the journey to the Ballon d’Or starts long before the glittering ceremony. France Football teams up with journalists from its sister publication, L’Équipe, to whip up a list of 30 nominees.
This shortlist is crafted by analysing performances over the previous season - goals, assists, leadership moments, those jaw-dropping skills that leave defenders flat-footed. Occasionally, some ex-players chip in with insights, bringing a seasoned eye to the selection. This list isn't just a casual “who’s hot” but a curated snapshot of football’s finest warriors.
Who Gets to Vote?
Now, here’s where it gets fascinating. The power to crown the winner is handed to 100 football journalists, one from each of the top FIFA-ranked nations. Yes, a global jury!
These aren’t just scribes; they’re respected voices tracking players week in, week out. Their mission? To pick their top 10 players from that official shortlist. This worldwide voting panel adds the international flavour that ensures the award truly reflects football’s universal appeal.
How the Voting System Works: Points, Rankings, and Tie-Breakers
Ready for some numbers? Each journalist ranks their top 10 players, awarding 15 points for their first choice, 12 for second, then 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, and finally 1 point for the tenth-best pick.
The total points across all voters decide the winner, simple math, right? Well, almost. If two players tie on points, the number of first-place votes becomes the decider, then second-place votes if needed, and so on. This ensures that the player with the most passionate support takes the crown, even if the total points are close.
Criteria Voters Consider: Performance, Team Success & Fair Play
Journalists don’t just vote on a whim. They’re asked to weigh three big factors: individual brilliance (those jaw-dropping moments and consistent excellence), team achievements (did the player help their club or country lift major trophies?), and, get this, fair play and class.
Yes, they want someone who shines on and off the pitch. So if you’re a superstar but a nightmare teammate, your chances might dim. It’s a holistic take on greatness, mixing stats with spirit.
Evolution of the Ballon d’Or: From European Players to a Global Stage
This award’s journey has been quite the rollercoaster. From 1956 to 1995, it was strictly a European affair. Then, between 1995 and 2006, players of any nationality but only those playing for European clubs became eligible.
Finally, in 2007, the doors swung wide open to every player worldwide, making the award global. For a few years (2010-2015), FIFA got involved too, merging their own award with the Ballon d’Or to create the “FIFA Ballon d’Or” - but that partnership ended, leaving France Football to run the show solo again.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or: Rising Recognition and Voting Differences
About time! The women’s Ballon d’Or, officially launched in 2018, has been a game-changer in recognising female footballing excellence. The voting is similar but a bit leaner: only 50 journalists from top-ranked nations vote, making it a more exclusive club.
Players like Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Spain’s Alexia Putellas have already stamped their names on this trophy, shining a light on women’s football’s explosive growth worldwide.
Notable Ballon d’Or Records and Multiple Winners
Well, if we’re talking legends, Lionel Messi’s name pops up first and loudest, an astonishing eight-time winner, no less. Cristiano Ronaldo trails with five, and icons like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten have each bagged three.
These names aren’t just players; they’re folklore. The fact that only two defenders (Franz Beckenbauer and Fabio Cannavaro) and one goalkeeper (Lev Yashin) have ever won shows the award’s preference for those who make the magic happen upfront.
Common Criticisms: Bias, Team Influence, and the Role of Journalists
Ah, controversy! The Ballon d’Or isn’t without its detractors. Critics argue it favours flashy forwards and attacking midfielders, sidelining defenders and goalkeepers who quietly dominate games. Plus, some say voters give too much weight to team trophies, meaning even a brilliant player on a mediocre team might get overlooked.
And then there’s the eternal gripe: the voting is done by journalists, not players or coaches, sparking debates about whether they truly see the game from every angle. In a team sport, how meaningful is an individual award anyway? It’s a fair question!
Other Awards Presented Alongside the Ballon d’Or
The night isn’t just about the main prize. The Kopa Trophy honours the best player under 21, and fun fact, previous Ballon d’Or winners get to vote on this one.
The Yashin Trophy celebrates goalkeepers, a group often left out of the spotlight. There’s also a Coach of the Year award and a Club of the Year trophy. It’s a full-on festival celebrating every facet of football greatness.
Why the Ballon d’Or Still Matters in Football Today
Despite the debates, the Ballon d’Or remains football’s ultimate personal accolade. It’s the spotlight on the individual within the beautiful chaos of the team game, a symbol of excellence, ambition, and legacy.
Sure, it’s imperfect, but every year, it ignites passion, discussion, and celebration among fans worldwide. So yeah, it matters. Big time. If you ever wondered how the Ballon d’Or winner is decided: inside football’s prestigious award voting, now you know, it’s part history, part stats, part storytelling, and 100% football magic.
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