On October 28, 2024 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, there was a ceremony for an award called the Ballon d’Or, and it happens to recognize the most important player in the season. There are people in attendance like athletes, journalists, and famous celebrities. There is also always a famous person like George Weah presenting the award to the player.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded to recognize the best player of that season. There are also players that get picke, which are called Ballon d’Or nominees. This year, the winner was Rodri. There are places 1-25.
The criteria for winning the Ballon d’Or is based on individual performances, decisive and impressive character, team performances, achievements, class and fairplay. Rodri won because he excelled in all of those.
Lev Yashin is the only goalie to win the Ballon d’Or. Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for being the best player in the world under 21. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane won the Gerd Muller Trophy for being the best strikers in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated the most at 18 times, and has won five. Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or 8 times. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been the two top contenders.
The first Ballon d’Or was given out in 1956 to Stanley Matthews. Johan Cruyff was the first player to win the award three times. Only three defenders have ever won the Ballon d’Or, who are Franz Beckenbauer, Matthias Sammer and Fabio Cannavaro. Luis Suárez was the first midfielder to ever win the award.
