The Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) is the most prestigious individual award in football (soccer), awarded annually by France Football magazine since 1956. The ceremony typically takes place in Paris in October. Winners are selected by international journalists and national team coaches and captains.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony typically takes place in Paris in late October.
Lionel Messi holds the record with 8 Ballons d'Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
Votes are cast by sports journalists from around the world, as well as national team coaches and captains.
Yes. The women's Ballon d'Or (Ballon d'Or Feminin) has been awarded since 2018.