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The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, recognizing the best male and female players in the world. Established in 1956, it symbolizes excellence in the sport and is awarded based on players' performances over the previous season. Winning the Ballon d'Or can significantly enhance a player's reputation, career opportunities, and marketability, often influencing their legacy in football history.
The Ballon d'Or winner is determined through a voting process involving journalists, coaches, and national team captains. Each voter selects their top five players, with points awarded based on the ranking. The player with the highest total points at the end of the voting period is declared the winner. This process aims to reflect a player's performance, contributions to their team, and overall impact on the sport during the season.
Previous Ballon d'Or winners include legendary players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated the award for over a decade. Messi holds the record with seven wins, while Ronaldo has five. Other notable winners include Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff, and more recently, players like Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. These players have left a significant mark on football history through their exceptional skills and achievements.
Ousmane Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d'Or primarily due to his outstanding performance leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to its first UEFA Champions League title. His contributions included crucial goals and assists throughout the season, showcasing his skills as a forward. Additionally, his overall impact on PSG's success in domestic competitions, including the French championship and cup, solidified his position as a top contender for the award.
Aitana Bonmati's win of the women's Ballon d'Or for the third consecutive year places her in an elite group of players. She is now among only three players in history, alongside Michel Platini and Lionel Messi, to achieve this feat. Bonmati's consistent performances with Barcelona and the Spanish national team have set new standards in women's football, emphasizing her role in elevating the women's game on a global scale.
Winning the Ballon d'Or can significantly impact a player's career, enhancing their visibility and marketability. It often leads to lucrative sponsorship deals and increased media attention. Additionally, it can affect a player's legacy, as being recognized as the best in the world solidifies their status in football history. For many players, it serves as a career milestone and a motivating factor for continued excellence on the field.
Media portrayals can greatly influence public perception and, consequently, the outcomes of awards like the Ballon d'Or. Coverage of players' performances, narratives around their seasons, and off-field stories can shape voters' opinions. Positive media attention can enhance a player's chances, while negative coverage may hinder their recognition, highlighting the crucial role that journalists and media outlets play in the award process.
The criteria for the women's Ballon d'Or are similar to those for the men's award, focusing on players' performances throughout the season. Voters consider individual statistics, contributions to team success, and overall impact on matches. Achievements in major tournaments, such as the UEFA Women's Champions League and international competitions, also play a significant role in a player's candidacy for this prestigious award.
The Ballon d'Or has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956. Initially, it was awarded solely to European players, but in 1995, the rules changed to include players from all nationalities playing in Europe. In 2010, the award merged with FIFA's World Player of the Year, becoming the FIFA Ballon d'Or before reverting to its original name in 2016. This evolution reflects the growing globalization of football and the increasing recognition of talent worldwide.
Fans do not directly participate in the voting process for the Ballon d'Or. Instead, the award is determined by a panel of journalists, national team captains, and coaches. However, fan sentiment can indirectly influence voters through media narratives and public discussions. Fans' opinions, often expressed on social media and in sports commentary, can shape the perception of players' performances and achievements, ultimately impacting the award's outcome.
