Football's most prestigious individual award, voted annually by international journalists.
Definition: Football's most prestigious individual award, voted annually by international journalists.
The Ballon d'Or ("Golden Ball") is awarded yearly by France Football magazine to the best player. First awarded 1956. Initially only European players; opened globally in 1995. Multi-winners: Lionel Messi (8), Cristiano Ronaldo (5), Michel Platini (3), Johan Cruyff (3), Marco van Basten (3), Franz Beckenbauer (2). 2024 winner: Rodri. Pelé never won it (he was never eligible due to rules at the time).