A look at the Ballon d’Or ceremony
Tue, Oct 01.24
What if we told you all the best players in the world are gathered in a fancy room in Paris? Well, this is what's happening next week for the Ballon d’Or Ceremony and that’s why this event is so special in the football world!
As the football fan you are, surely you’ve heard of it, but if you’re new, the ceremony is pretty much the most prestigious individual honour a football player can win during their career.
Since its creation in the 1950s, the Golden Ball has been awarded to the top footballer in the world, rewarding their performances over the previous season. It’s definitely the ultimate nod for a footballer’s skills, as it is attributed after the votes of the best football journalists in the world.
Why is it important for a player?
Well, first, it is another source of income for players! Indeed, while the ceremony doesn’t include a direct financial prize, sponsors and clubs usually offer nice packages to their players if rewarded. For example, the PSG promised Neymar a juicy €3 million bonus!
It’s also an accomplishment for a career. Think about it: players dedicate their time to improving and perfecting their game to reach the top level. Reaching this point is like the icing on the cake. Not only is it a personal accomplishment, but it also solidifies a player’s legacy, gives them a place among the greatest and brings huge visibility for clubs and sponsors.
Another interesting thing about the golden award is that it is awarded to only the best of the best. It’s not just about who scored the most goals and made the most assists; it’s about who was simply the best, who made us sit up and who provoked the most emotions.
A step forward for female football
In 2018, the Ballon d’Or was (finally) introduced for women. Women's football, as it was gaining more and more attention all around the world, got the recognition it deserved. With its first ceremony six years ago, Ada Hegerberg inaugurated the award for the ‘Féminin’ category.
It will be interesting to follow the ceremony in the next couple of years, especially after the rise of Matildas! And even more so knowing that our Sam Kerr is the only player who has always appeared in the top 20 since its creation, up until 2023.
What to expect this year?
This year’s ceremony might be very interesting, as Messi and Ronaldo, who’ve both been nominated for 15 consecutive ceremonies from 2006 to 2021, have disappeared from the nominees’ list, leaving place for new names. So, on Monday, October 28th we will have a new winner for the Ballon d’Or. Among the nominees, youth is honoured with Yamal, Williams and Wirtz whereas older players made their way back on the list, such as Kroos and Xhaka.
On the women’s side, all eyes are on teammates Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, especially after their World-Cup winning performances. Unfortunately, this year we won’t have Sam Kerr among the nominees due to her very short season after her ACL injury.
Facts:
- The Ballon d’Or ceremony became global only in 1995. Before that, it was limited to European players.
- From 2008 to 2023, Messi and Ronaldo shared 13 of the 15 awards.
- The golden trophy is made by a French jeweller and is worth €13,000.
Next week we will have the name of the winner of the 2024 edition. So, who do you think will win the Ballon d'Or?
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