The Ballon d'Or explained: what the award is, how voting works, the record winners and why it is football's most prestigious individual prize.
The Ballon d\'Or is football\'s most prestigious individual award, handed to the best player of the year. Here is a clear explainer of what it is, how it works and who has dominated it.
Awarded annually, the Ballon d\'Or recognises the finest individual performances across a season. It has grown from a European-only prize into a global celebration of the game\'s best player.
A panel of journalists from around the world votes, ranking players based on performance, team success and overall impact. The player with the most points wins the Ballon d\'Or.
For players, winning the Ballon d\'Or is career-defining recognition. For fans, the debate over who deserves it is one of football\'s great annual talking points. More guides in our Explainers section.