The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football. It is given to the best player in the world each year. The award is organized by France Football, a French magazine. The first Ballon d’Or was awarded in 1956. Over the years, many great players have won this award.
Early Years of the Ballon d’Or
The first winner of the Ballon d’Or was Stanley Matthews from England. He won it in 1956. Matthews was a skillful winger who played for Blackpool. In the early years, only European players were eligible for the award. This changed in 1995 when the rules allowed players from all around the world to win.
Dominant Players in the 20th Century
Many legendary players have won the Ballon d’Or. Alfredo Di Stefano won it twice in 1957 and 1959. He was a star for Real Madrid. Johan Cruyff, a Dutch legend, won it three times in the 1970s. Michel Platini, a French midfielder, won it three times in the 1980s. Platini’s hat-trick of wins showed his skill and dominance in European football.
The Arrival of Non-European Winners
In 1995, George Weah from Liberia became the first non-European player to win the Ballon d’Or. He played for AC Milan at the time. Weah’s win opened the doors for players from other continents. In 1997, Ronaldo from Brazil won the award. He was known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring ability. Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or again in 2002.
The Messi-Ronaldo Era
In the late 2000s, the Ballon d’Or saw a new era of dominance. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took over. From 2008 to 2017, they won the award every year except 2018. Messi, an Argentine forward, has won the Ballon d’Or seven times. Ronaldo, a Portuguese forward, has won it five times. Their rivalry pushed each other to new heights. Both players have broken many records and achieved great success with their clubs and national teams.
Recent Winners and Changes
In recent years, new players have emerged. Luka Modric from Croatia won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. He is a talented midfielder who helped his country reach the World Cup final. In 2020, the award was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Lionel Messi won again, showing his consistent performance over the years.
Women’s Ballon d’Or
In 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced. It honors the best female football player in the world. The first winner was Ada Hegerberg from Norway. She plays for Lyon and has been a top scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. In 2019, Megan Rapinoe from the USA won the award. She led her team to victory in the Women’s World Cup that year. In 2021, Alexia Putellas from Spain won the award. She is a key player for Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or has a rich history. It highlights the achievements of the best football players in the world. From the early days of Stanley Matthews to the modern dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, the award has seen many greats. The introduction of the women’s Ballon d’Or has also brought recognition to female players. The Ballon d’Or remains a symbol of excellence in football.
FAQ
What is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or is an annual award given to the best football player in the world.
Who organizes the Ballon d’Or?
The award is organized by France Football, a French magazine.
When was the first Ballon d’Or awarded?
The first Ballon d’Or was awarded in 1956.
Who was the first winner of the Ballon d’Or?
The first winner was Stanley Matthews from England.
When did non-European players become eligible for the Ballon d’Or?
Non-European players became eligible in 1995.
Who was the first non-European player to win the Ballon d’Or?
George Weah from Liberia was the first non-European player to win the award in 1995.
How many times has Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or seven times.
How many times has Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or?
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times.
When was the Ballon d’Or Féminin introduced?
The Ballon d’Or Féminin was introduced in 2018.
Who was the first winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin?
The first winner was Ada Hegerberg from Norway.
