Ballon d'Or - Most Prestigious Award in Football

The Ballon d’Or winners! Ballon d’Or is a prestigious annual football award that honors the football players who have performed the best over the previous year since 1956. In literal terms, Ballon d’Or means a “Golden Ball, ” an annual football award presented by France Football, a French sports magazine.

The Ballon d’Or serves as a historical marker, recognizing the outstanding talents of each era and allowing fans to compare and appreciate the great players of different generations. The Ballon d’Or winners award honors the year’s most exceptional player. The history of the Ballon d’Or can be traced back to 1956. This makes it one of the longest-standing and most prestigious awards in the field of football.

Men’s nominees for Ballon d’Or 2023

They changed the voting rules for the Ballon d’Or winners in 2022. They will grant the award based on season performance rather than calendar year results for the second time. The season ran from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, and they revealed the award candidates on September 6, 2023.

They show the complete list of players nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or winners below.

Player Nominated	Club/Country
André Onana	Inter-Manchester United/Cameroon
Josko Gvardiol	RB Lipsia-Manchester City/Croatia
Karim Benzema	Real-Madrid-I Ittihad
Jamal Musiala	Bayern Munich/Germany
Mohamed Salah	Liverpool/Egypt
Jude Bellingham	Broussia Dortmund-Real Madrid/England
Bukayo Saka	Arsenal/England
Randal Kolo Muani	Eintracht Frankfurt-Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kevin De Bruyne	Manchester City/Belgium
Bernardo Silva	Manchester City/Portugal
Emiliano Martínez	Aston Villa/Argentina
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia	Napoli/Georgia
Rúben Dias	Manchester City/Portugal
Nicolo Barella	Inter Milan/Italy
Erling Haaland	Manchester City/Norway
Yassine Bounou	Sevilla-Al Hilal/Morocco
Martin Ødegaard	Arsenal/Norway
Julián Álvarez	Manchester City/Argentina
Ilkay Gündogan	Barcelona/Germany
Vinícius Júnior	Real Madrid/Brazil
Lionel Messi	Paris Saint-Germain-Inter Miami/Argentina
Rodri	Manchester City/Spain
Lautaro Martínez	Inter Milan/Argentina
Antoine Griezmann	Atletico Madrid/France
Robert Lewandowski	Barcelona/Poland
Kylian Mbappé	Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kim Min-jae	Napoli-Bayern Munich/South Korea
Victor Osimhen	Napoli/Nigeria
Luka Modric	Real Madrid/Croatia
Harry Kane	Tottenham-Bayern Munich/England

Women’s nominees for Ballon d’Or 2023

The current Ballon d’Or winner or Ballon d’Or Féminin winner 2023 is Aitana Bonmatí from Spain, Barcelona. With 30 nominees for Women Ballon d’Or or Ballon d’Or Féminin 2023 locked in, the world gears up to receive its fifth female best football player. It is essential to mention here that when the Ballon d’Or for men started in 1956, the tradition of Ballon d’Or Féminin began in 2018.

Wolfsburg/Germany	Club/ Country
Aitana Bonmati	Barcelona/Spain
Millie Bright	Chelsea/England
Linda Caicedo	Real Madrid/Colombia
Olga Carmona	Real Madrid/Spain
Rachel Daly	Aston Villa/England
Debinha	North Carolina-Kansas City/Brazil
Kadidiatou Diani	Paris Saint-Germain-Lyon/France
Mary Earps	Manchester United/England
Patricia Guijarro	Barcelona/Spain
Yui Hasegawa	Manchester City/Japan
Amanda Ilestedt	Paris-Saint Germain-Arsenal/Sweden
Sam Kerr	Chelsea/Australia
Mapi Leon	Barcelona/Spain
Katie McCabe	Arsenal/Republic of Ireland
Hinata Miyazawa	MyNavi Senday-Manchester United/Japan
Lena Oberdorf	Wolfsburg/Germany
Asisat Oshoala	Barcelona/Nigeria
Ewa Pajor	Wolfsburg/Poland
Salma Paralluelo	Barcelona/Spain
Alexandra Popp	Wolsburg/Germany
Hayley Raso	Manchester City-Real Madrid/Australia
Alba Redondo	Levante/Spain
Guro Reiten	Chelsea/Norway
Wendie Renard	Lyon/France
Jill Roord	Wolfsburg-Manchester City/Netherlands
Fridolina Rolfo	Barcelona/Swede
Khadija Shaw	Manchester City/Jamaica
Sophia Smith	Portland Thorns/United States
Georgia Stanway	Bayern Munich/England
Daphne van Domselaar	Twente-Aston Villa/Netherlands

Who was the first Ballon d’Or winner?

The inaugural Ballon d’Or, awarded in 1956, was claimed by the legendary Stanley Matthews. Renowned for his exceptional close control, impressive dribbling skills, and on-field intelligence, Matthews left an indelible mark on football. His notable contribution includes leading Blackpool to a memorable come-from-behind victory of 4-3 against Bolton Wanderers in the 1953 FA Cup final, forever remembered as the ‘Matthews final.’ Additionally, Matthews secured the runner-up position in the English top-flight with Blackpool during the 1955-56 season, solidifying his status as the first-ever Ballon d’Or recipient. His prowess and impact on the game continue to resonate as a pivotal part of football history.

Who won the first Ballon d’Or as a female football player?

The inaugural recipient of the 2018 Ballon d’Or Feminin award is Ada Hegerberg, a striker from Norway. At that time, Hegerberg, 23, was Olympique Lyonnais’ top scorer in both the UEFA Women’s Champions League (15 goals) and the 2017–18 Division 1 Féminine (31 goals).

Who has the most Ballon d’Or awards?

Lionel Messi holds the record for most Ballon d’Or victories in history with eight victories. This surpasses his rival Cristiano Ronaldo by three victories. From 2009 to 2012, the captain of Argentina won four straight Ballon d’Or awards, becoming the first player to win the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

The Barcelona legend, who is presently with Inter Miami, assisted Argentina in winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which led to him winning a record-tying eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Rivalry in Ballon d Or Glory

Ronaldo possesses incredible talent, stands firm in his work ethic, has a high commitment to the sport, and can perform at the highest level over an extended period consistently. These have steered him further towards achievement. Over ten years ago, in 2008, Ronaldo took home his first Ballon d’Or prize. He hasn’t stopped anywhere since then. Apart from that, they have nominated him for the Ballon d’Or 18 times.

The public widely knows the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They had dominated the award for over a decade and had a fierce and friendly rivalry.

Lionel Messi Beats Erling Haaland For a Record 8th Title

Lionel Messi, widely acknowledged as the frontrunner for the men’s award, has solidified his position as a football legend by securing an unprecedented eighth Ballon d’Or title. The announcement formalizes Messi’s remarkable achievements during the 2022/23 season, particularly while showcasing his exceptional skills with PSG. Notably, this historic win distinguishes Messi as the first player ever to clinch the prestigious Ballon d’Or while actively representing a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Meanwhile, the women’s award rightfully recognized the exceptional talent of Spanish player Aitana Bonmati. The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony marks a pivotal moment in Messi’s illustrious career, underlining his continued dominance on the global football stage. 

Ballon d’Or Winners List from 1956 to 2022: Celebrating Football Excellence

Men’s Ballon d’Or Winners List

The first winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or was Stanley Matthews of England. Let’s have a look at the men’s Ballon d’Or winners list throughout the years:

YEAR	PLAYER	NATIONALITY	CLUB
2023	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2022	Karim Benzema	France	Real Madrid
2021	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain
2020	Alfredo Di Stefano
2019	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2018	Luka Modric	Croatia	Real Madrid
2017	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Real Madrid
2016	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Real Madrid
2015	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2014	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Real Madrid
2013	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Real Madrid
2012	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2011	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2010	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2009	Lionel Messi	Argentina	Barcelona
2008	Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Manchester United
2007	Kaka	Brazil	AC Milan
2006	Fabio Cannavaro	Italy	Real Madrid
2005	Ronaldinho	Brazil	Barcelona
2004	Andriy Shevchenko	Zinedine Zidane	AC Milan
2003	Pavel Nedved	Czech Republic	Juventus
2002	Ronaldo	Brazil	Real Madrid
2001	Michael Owen	England	Liverpool
2000	Luis Figo	Portugal	Real Madrid
1999	Rivaldo	Brazil	Barcelona
1998	Zinedine zidane	France	Juventus
1997	Ronaldo	Brazil	Inter Milan
1996	Matthias Sammer	Germany	Borussia Dortmund
1995	George Weah	Liberia	AC Milan
1994	Hristo Stoichkov	Bulgaria	Barcelona
1993	Roberto Baggio	Italy	Juventus
1992	Marco van Basten	Netherlands	AC Milan
1991	Jean-Pierre Papin	France	Marseille
1990	Lothar Matthaus	Germany	Inter Milan
1989	Marco van Basten	Netherlands	Milan
1988	Marco van Basten	Netherlands	Milan
1987	Ruud Guilt	Netherlands	Milan
1986	Igor Belanov	Soviet Union	Dynamo Kiev
1985	Michel Platini	France	Juventus
1984	Michel Platini	France	Juventus
1983	Michel Platini	France	Juventus
1982	Paolo Rossi	Italy	Juventus
1981	Karl-Heinz Rummenigge	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1980	Karl-Heinz Rummenigge	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1979	Kevin Keegan	England	Hamburg
1978	Kevin Keegan	England	Hamburg
1977	Allan Simonsen	Denmark	Borussia Monchengladbach
1976	Franz Beckenbauer	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1975	Oleg Blokhin	Soviet Union	Dynamo Kiev
1974	Johan Cruyff	Netherlands	Barcelona
1973	Johan Cruyff	Netherlands	Barcelona
1972	Franz Beckenbauer	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1971	Johan Cruyff	Netherlands	Ajax
1970	Gerd Muller	West Germany	Bayern Munich
1969	Gianni Rivera	Italy	AC Milan
1968	George Best	Northern Ireland	Manchester United
1967	Florian Albert	Hungary	Ferencvaros
1966	Bobby Charlton	England	Manchester United
1965	Eusebio	Portugal	Benfica
1964	Denis Law	Scotland	Manchester United
1963	Lev Yashin	Soviet Union	Dynamo Moscow
1962	Josef Masopust	Czechoslovakia	Dukla Prague
1961	Omar Sivori	Italy	Juventus
1960	Luis Suarez	Spain	Barcelona
1959	Alfredo Di Stefano	Spain	Real Madrid
1958	Raymond Kopa	France	Real Madrid
1957	Alferdo Di Stefano	Spain	Real Madrid
1956	Stanley Matthews	England	Blackpool

Women’s Ballon d’Or (Ballon d’Or Féminine) Winners List

The tradition for Ballon d’Or Féminine began recently, and let’s look at the winners of the award since 2018:

YEAR	PLAYER	NATIONALITY	CLUB
2023	Aitana Bonmatí	Spain	Barcelona
2022	Alexia Putellas	Spain	Barcelona
2021	Alexia Putellas	Spain	Barcelona
2020	Not Awarded
2019	Megan Rapinoe	USA	Reign FC
2018	Ada Hegerberg	Norway	Olympique Lyonnais

The Art of Ballon d’Or Winners Ranking

The Ballon d’Or selection criteria have undergone a series of major changes. Now, a panel of international journalists, managers, national team coaches, and captains who vote for the winner considers three things.

The ranking criteria of Ballon d’Or include:

1. Individual Performance

Based on their individual goals scored, assists, defensive contributions, and overall consistency in their playing performance.

2. Team Success

They take into account achievements from the club of which the player is a part and the national team. Therefore, it becomes crucial to be consistent to maintain a level of high standard performance all year long.

3. Fair Play

A player’s conduct and sportsmanship, including avoiding suspensions and other disciplinary actions, may influence the voting. Even so, the Ballon d’Or rating has always been the subject of discussions and disputes.

Neymar’s Quest for Ballon d’Or Glory

Many consider Neymar as one of the most talented football players of his generation. His accomplishments and team-building efforts helped him climb the ladder of success. He had led the Barcelona team to many victories in the domestic cups, like La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. One wonders now how many Ballon d’Or Neymar owns. Although a string of injuries during his career has limited his prospects of being recognized at major honors, Neymar has never won the Ballon d’Or.

The Essence of the Ballon d’Or: What Does it Signify?

In football, the Ballon d’Or sets the standard for achievement and recognition. More than just an award, people consider it significant. It represents the commitment, skill, and influence of athletes who have made a lasting image in this field. Also, It represents several important characteristics and ideals, including individual genius, international renown, historical significance, motivation for the next players, bringing the world of football together, recognizing artistic ability, and much more.

The Price of Prestige: What a Ballon d’Or Meaning

To be named a Ballon d’Or holds much more significance than simply receiving a prize. It also contains the aspirations, final successes, and desires of football players who have made a lasting impression on the sport. What is the cost of the Ballon d’Or, though?

No cash prize is awarded to the winner. This honor recognizes both male and female top football players worldwide.

Additionally, a player winning the Ballon d’Or does induce a substantial financial impact on them.  This includes things like enhanced market value, endorsement deals, pay raises, and merchandise opportunities. Winning the Ballon d’Or greatly impacts a football player’s financial possibilities and chances by influencing their status and recognition.

Trailblazers of the Ballon d’Or: Most Wins in History

If you are wondering how many Ballon d’Ors does Messi have? And how many Ballon d’Or does Ronaldo have? Being the greatest football giants of their time, these two are the most Ballon d’Or winners ever. While Messi holds the maximum number of men’s Ballon d’Or awards with a record of winning it eight times, Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times. After Messi and Ronaldo took the positions of most Ballon d’Or winners, other legendary footballers who have won the Ballon d’Or award more than twice include Marco van, Johan Cruyff, and Michel Platini.

Also Read:-

Football World Cup Winners List

The List of Nobel Prize Winners in India

Fifa World Cup Golden Glove: Rеcеnt Awardее, 2022

The Next Generation: Rising Stars in Ballon d’Or Contention

For a long time now, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football sphere. After these two legendary swimmers, there are some other names for the next Ballon d’Or winner. Here are some of the guesses about who can carry this legacy forward:

1. Josko Gvardiol, having a standout for both Croatia and RB Leipzig
2. Andre Onana, for being one of the best keepers in Europe last year
3. Jamal Musiala has bagged 12 goals and added 12 assists.

At the same time, other footballers who are at the peak of their game include Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, and Erling Haaland. Their incredible talents have brought them to this position in their career in recent years. If experts have to believe, they possess the potential to be among the best players in the world. But winning depends on many factors, such as team performance, individual performance, and voting patterns.

Conclusion

Ballon d’Or has a rich history and enduring legacy. This represents excellence and recognition in the field of football. It transcends the confines of time and provides a connecting link between the games’ present, past, and future. This reflects the passion, dedication, and artistry that define football. It inspires generations of football enthusiasts, who showcase the magnificent sport and the remarkable individuals who leave a lasting mark on it. The wait has finally come to an as Lionel Messi won the Men’s Ballon d’Or Award 2023, for the record eighth time at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

FAQs on Ballon d’Or winners