Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine. It is awarded to the best male football player in the world, based on votes from a panel of international journalists. Established in 1956, the award was initially given only to European players, but in 1995 it was expanded to include players from all nationalities, regardless of where they play. The winner is chosen based on their performances over the calendar year, including individual and team achievements. The award is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the sport of football, often regarded as the equivalent of the “Best Player” award in other sports. The Ballon d’Or has undergone various changes in voting and eligibility criteria over the years, including a brief merger with FIFA’s World Player of the Year award from 2010 to 2015. Since then, it has continued to be awarded independently.