The Ballon d’Or: Football’s Golden Crown-The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 by France Football, is the most prestigious individual award in football, honoring the world’s best male and female players based on their performances over a season. From Stanley Matthews’ inaugural win to Rodri’s 2024 triumph, the award has celebrated legends like Lionel Messi (eight wins), Cristiano Ronaldo (five), and Aitana Bonmatí (2024 women’s winner), per France Football. The 2025 race, with no clear favorite after Rodri’s injury, features stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, fueled by club performances in the absence of major international tournaments, per Goal.com. YouTube searches like “#BallonDor2025” (2.5 million views) and Google Trends spiking for winners, controversies, and predictions highlight its global allure. This 2,500+ word article, drawing from The Athletic, BBC Sport, Sporting News, and X sentiment, explores the award’s history, winners, 2025 contenders, controversies, and cultural impact, addressing fan queries, per 90min and Oddschecker.

Origins and Evolution: The Birth of a Legend

Founding the Ballon d’Or

In 1956, France Football magazine, inspired by editor Gabriel Hanot, created the Ballon d’Or to honor Europe’s best footballer, voted by journalists, per Wikipedia. Stanley Matthews of Blackpool won the inaugural award, per France Football. Initially limited to European players, it expanded globally in 1995, allowing non-European stars like George Weah to win, per BBC Sport. YouTube history videos (1 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or origins” trend. X posts by @FootballHist note, “It started small but became massive,” per X.

Key Milestones

1995: Opened to non-European players, per Wikipedia.

2010–2015: Merged with FIFA’s World Player of the Year as the FIFA Ballon d’Or, per FIFA.

2016: Reverted to France Football control, per BBC Sport.

2018: Introduced the Ballon d’Or Féminin for women, won by Ada Hegerberg, per France Football.

2025: Added women’s young player, goalkeeper, and coach awards, per @TomJGarry on X. The award now includes the Kopa Trophy (under-21), Yashin Trophy (goalkeeper), and Socrates Award (social impact), per 90min. YouTube explainer videos (800,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or categories” rise.

Voting Process

A panel of 100 journalists from FIFA’s top-ranked countries votes, scoring players on individual performance, team success, and fair play, per L’Équipe. The 2025 ceremony, set for September 22 at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, will reveal nominees in early August, per app.com. YouTube voting breakdowns (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or voting” trend. X posts by @FootballFacts say, “It’s subjective but rigorous,” per X.

Fan Questions

When was it founded? 1956, by France Football, per Wikipedia. YouTube clips have 1.2 million views.

Who votes? 100 journalists, per L’Équipe. Google searches for “Ballon d’Or voters” rise.

What’s new in 2025? Women’s awards expansion, per @TomJGarry on X. YouTube content has 600,000 views.

Historical Winners: Icons of the Game

Men’s Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi holds the record with eight wins (2009–2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with five (2008, 2013–2014, 2016–2017), per France Football. Legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten won three each, per The Athletic. Lev Yashin (1963) remains the only goalkeeper winner, per Covers. YouTube highlight reels (2 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or winners” soar. X posts by @MessiFans note, “Leo’s untouchable,” per X.

Women’s Ballon d’Or

Since 2018, the Ballon d’Or Féminin has crowned stars like Ada Hegerberg (2018), Alexia Putellas (2021–2022), and Aitana Bonmatí (2023–2024), per France Football. Bonmatí’s 2024 win came after Barcelona’s Champions League triumph, per BBC Sport. YouTube women’s highlights (900,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or women” trend. X posts by @WomensFootball say, “Bonmatí’s a queen,” per X.

Notable Records

Youngest Winner: Ronaldo Nazário, 21, in 1997, per app.com.

Oldest Winner: Stanley Matthews, 41, in 1956, per Wikipedia.

Most Nominations: Ronaldo, 18, per France Football.

Club Dominance: Barcelona and Real Madrid, 12 wins each, per Covers.Argentina leads nations with eight wins, per 90min. YouTube record videos (1.5 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or records” rise.

Fan Questions

Who’s won the most? Messi, eight times, per France Football. YouTube clips have 2.5 million views.

Any women winners? Hegerberg, Putellas, Bonmatí, per BBC Sport. Google searches for “Ballon d’Or women winners” trend.

Youngest winner? Ronaldo Nazário, 21, per app.com. YouTube content has 1 million views.

2025 Race: A New Era Unfolds

Context and Contenders

Rodri’s 2024 win ended the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, but his ACL injury rules him out for 2025, per Goal.com. With no major international tournaments, club performances in the 2024–25 season, especially in the UEFA Champions League, will decide the winner, per Sporting News. The September 22, 2025, ceremony in Paris is highly anticipated, per app.com. YouTube prediction videos (2.5 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2025” soar. X posts by @TouchlineX list Dembélé and Yamal as favorites, per X.

Top Candidates

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): With 33 goals and pivotal Champions League performances, including a semi-final goal against Arsenal, Dembélé leads the race, per Goal.com. Odds are 2.63, per @TouchlineX.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): At 17, Yamal’s 15 goals and 24 assists, plus a Copa del Rey final goal, make him a historic contender, per Covers. Odds are 2.38, per @TouchlineX.

Raphinha (Barcelona): His 13 Champions League goals and La Liga leadership under Hansi Flick position him strongly, per Gambling.com. Odds are +125, per Covers.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Despite a Premier League title, his Champions League exit and late-season dip hurt his chances, per Sporting News. Odds are +350, per Covers.

Lautaro Martínez (Inter): A Copa América win and Champions League final goal bolster his case, per Gambling.com.Others include Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG), Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli), and Harry Kane (Bayern), per SI.com. YouTube contender breakdowns (1.8 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2025 favorites” trend.

Women’s Race

Aitana Bonmatí is favored to defend her title, with Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen and Chelsea’s Lauren James as challengers, per 90min. YouTube women’s predictions (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or Féminin 2025” rise. X posts by @WomensSoccer say, “Bonmatí’s unstoppable,” per X.

Fan Questions

Who’ll win in 2025? Dembélé, Yamal, Raphinha lead, per Goal.com. YouTube clips have 2 million views.

Can Yamal be youngest? Yes, at 17, beating Ronaldo’s record, per Covers. Google searches for “Lamine Yamal Ballon d’Or” soar.

Why no Salah? UCL exit, late dip, per Sporting News. YouTube content has 1.5 million views.

Controversies: Drama on the Golden Stage

2024 Real Madrid Boycott

Real Madrid boycotted the 2024 ceremony, protesting Vinicius Jr.’s second-place finish behind Rodri, calling it disrespectful, per Goal.com. Vinicius posted, “I’ll do it 10x if I have to,” on X, per 90min. YouTube boycott clips (1.3 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2024 controversy” spike. X posts by @MadridFans note, “Vini was robbed,” per X.

Historical Snubs

2010: Wesley Sneijder’s treble with Inter and World Cup final run lost to Messi, per Bleacher Report.

2013: Franck Ribéry’s Bayern treble was overlooked for Ronaldo, per @r/football on Reddit.

2018: Antoine Griezmann’s World Cup win wasn’t enough against Modrić, per BBC Sport. Fans on X, like @FootballDebate, argue Salah’s consistent snubs reflect bias toward Champions League stars, per X. YouTube snub compilations (900,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or snubs” trend.

Voting Bias Debates

Critics claim La Liga and Champions League performances dominate, sidelining Premier League or Serie A stars, per @r/football. The subjective voting process sparks annual debates, per The Athletic. YouTube debate videos (1 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or bias” rise. X posts by @FootyStats say, “It’s a popularity contest,” per X.

Fan Questions

• Why the 2024 boycott? Real Madrid felt Vinicius was snubbed, per Goal.com. YouTube clips have 1.4 million views.
• Who was snubbed? Sneijder, Ribéry, Salah, per Bleacher Report. Google searches for “Ballon d’Or robbed” trend.
• Is voting fair? Subjective, favors UCL, per The Athletic. YouTube content has 1.2 million views.

Cultural Impact: More Than an Award

Global Prestige

The Ballon d’Or is football’s Oscars, defining careers and legacies, per BBC Sport. Messi’s eight wins and Ronaldo’s five have elevated their GOAT debate, per France Football. YouTube legacy videos (2 million views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or impact” soar. X posts by @FootballIcons note, “It’s the ultimate badge,” per X.

Social Media Buzz

In 2025, YouTube’s “#BallonDor2025” tag has 2.5 million views, with prediction and reaction videos trending, per YouTube. X posts by @TouchlineX and @BarcaUniversal fuel debates, with Dembélé and Yamal leading polls, per X. Google Trends show spikes for “Ballon d’Or 2025 predictions”, per Google Trends.

Women’s Football Boost

The Ballon d’Or Féminin, expanded in 2025, has elevated women’s football, with Bonmatí’s wins inspiring young players, per The Guardian. YouTube women’s award clips (800,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or women’s impact” rise. X posts by @WomensFooty say, “It’s changing the game,” per X.

Fan Questions

Why’s it so big? Defines greatness, per BBC Sport. YouTube content has 2.2 million views.

What’s the social media hype? 2.5 million YouTube views, X debates, per YouTube. Google searches for “Ballon d’Or social media” trend.

How’s it helped women’s football? Increased visibility, per The Guardian. YouTube clips have 900,000 views.

2025 Ceremony: What to Expect

Event Details

The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, on September 22, 2025, at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, will crown men’s and women’s winners, alongside Kopa, Yashin, and Socrates awards, per 90min. Nominees will be announced in August, per app.com. YouTube event promos (700,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2025 date” soar. X posts by @TouchlineX confirm the date, per X.

Betting Odds

Dembélé: 2.63, per @TouchlineX.

Yamal: 2.38, per @TouchlineX.

Raphinha: +125, per Covers.

Salah: +350, per Covers.

Martínez: 10/1, per Gambling.com.Bookmakers like bet365 see a tight race, per bet365 News. YouTube odds analyses (600,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2025 odds” trend.

Potential Surprises

Could Donnarumma become the second goalkeeper winner? Or might Scott McTominay’s Napoli heroics sneak him in, per PlanetFootball? YouTube dark horse videos (500,000 views) and Google searches for “Ballon d’Or 2025 surprises” rise. X posts by @FootballBets note, “Donnarumma’s a wild card,” per X.

Fan Questions

When’s the ceremony? September 22, 2025, Paris, per 90min. YouTube clips have 800,000 views.

What are the odds? Dembélé, Yamal lead, per @TouchlineX. Google searches for “Ballon d’Or betting” trend.

Any dark horses? Donnarumma, McTominay, per PlanetFootball. YouTube content has 600,000 views.

YouTube and Google Trends in 2025

Popular Queries

“Ballon d’Or 2025 predictions”: 2.5 million YouTube views, per YouTube.

“Ballon d’Or winners list”: 2 million views, per YouTube.

“Ballon d’Or 2024 controversy”: 1.3 million views, per YouTube.

“Lamine Yamal Ballon d’Or”: High Google search volume, per Google Trends.

“Ballon d’Or voting process”: Spiking searches, per Google Trends.

Fan Engagement

YouTube’s “#BallonDor2025” tag features reaction videos, predictions, and historical montages, per YouTube. X posts by @BarcaUniversal and @MadridUniversal drive contender debates, per X. Google Trends show sustained interest in Dembélé and Yamal, per Google Trends. X posts by @FootballVibes note, “The hype’s unreal,” per X.

Fan Questions

What’s trending on YouTube? 

Predictions, controversies, per YouTube. 2.5 million views.

Why Google Trends spikes?

 2025 race, Rodri’s absence, per Google Trends.

What do fans want? 

Yamal’s historic shot, Dembélé’s edge, per @TouchlineX.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Ballon d’Or remains football’s ultimate individual honor, from Matthews to Messi, and now to 2025’s open race with Dembélé, Yamal, and Raphinha vying for glory, per Goal.com. Its history is rich with triumphs and controversies, like Real Madrid’s 2024 boycott, per Goal.com, while its cultural impact, boosted by 2.5 million YouTube views and X debates, is undeniable, per YouTube. Google Trends in 2025 reflect its global pull, per Google Trends. As the September 22 ceremony nears, per 90min, the Ballon d’Or continues to crown football’s finest, shaping legacies for generations.

FAQs

The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, presented annually by France Football to the best male and female footballers worldwide. Here’s an up-to-date FAQ covering everything from its history to the latest developments.Goal

Who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or?

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder for Manchester City, won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. He played a pivotal role in City’s record fourth consecutive Premier League title and was named UEFA Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament as Spain triumphed in Germany. His victory marked the first time since 2018 that a non-forward won the award .The Sun+4UEFA.com+4The Guardian+4The Guardian

Who won the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or?

Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain won the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year. She scored six goals and provided six assists in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, helping Barcelona secure their third title. Bonmatí also contributed to Spain’s Nations League victory .UEFA.com+2UEFA.com+2The Guardian+2The Guardian

When and where was the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony held?

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on October 28, 2024, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris .Le Monde.fr

Who were the top 5 men’s Ballon d’Or finalists in 2024?

The top five male players in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings were:Goal

Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)

Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)

Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City) talkSPORT+6UEFA.com+6The Guardian+6

Who were the top 5 women’s Ballon d’Or finalists in 2024?

The top five female players in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings were:UEFA.com

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)

Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)

Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)

Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)

Lindsey Horan (USA, Lyon) ESPN+4UEFA.com+4UEFA.com+4

How is the Ballon d’Or winner decided?

The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on performances during the football season (August 1 to July 31), rather than the calendar year. An international jury of specialized journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking votes for the winner. France Football compiles and announces the results .Wikipedia+1Goal+1Goal+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

What other awards are presented alongside the Ballon d’Or?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony also honors:

Kopa Trophy: Best young male player (under 21).

Yashin Trophy: Best goalkeeper.

Gerd Müller Trophy: Top scorer of the season.

Sócrates Award: For players demonstrating social commitment.

Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year: Recognizing exceptional coaching achievements.

Men’s and Women’s Club of the Year: Acknowledging outstanding club performances.

Who are the favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?

As of June 2025, early favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or include:

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Goal+8UEFA.com+8The Guardian+8

These players have been consistently performing at a high level in their respective leagues and international competitions.

 What is the history of the Ballon d’Or?

Established in 1956 by France Football, the Ballon d’Or was initially awarded to European players only. In 1995, the award expanded to include all players active in European clubs. Since 1995, the Ballon d’Or has been awarded to the best male footballer globally. Lionel Messi holds the record with eight wins, while Cristiano Ronaldo has five .Wikipedia+1Goal+1

Has the Ballon d’Or ever been merged with another award?

Yes, between 2010 and 2015, the Ballon d’Or was merged with FIFA’s World Player of the Year award, known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or. The partnership ended in 2016, and the awards returned to their original formats .

o read more click here