The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in world football, celebrating the best player in the world over the past year. Every season, football fans eagerly anticipate the list of Ballon d’Or nominees, which includes the most talented and influential players from across the globe. The nomination itself is already an honor, as it recognizes consistency, performance, leadership, and excellence at both club and international levels. But what does it truly mean to be a Ballon d’Or nominee, and how does the nomination process work? Let’s take a closer look at the details behind this celebrated football tradition.
The History and Meaning of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or, which means Golden Ball in French, was first introduced in 1956 by the French magazine France Football. The idea was to honor the best European player each year, based on votes from a panel of journalists. Over time, the award evolved expanding its eligibility to players from around the world, merging temporarily with FIFA’s World Player of the Year award from 2010 to 2015, and then returning to its independent format. Today, it remains a symbol of the highest individual achievement in football, distinguishing players who dominate the game both statistically and emotionally.
Being among the Ballon d’Or nominees reflects that a player has had a remarkable season, often filled with crucial goals, match-winning performances, or leadership moments that elevate their team. Nomination does not only depend on trophies won but also on personal influence, consistency, and contribution to the game’s beauty.
How the Ballon d’Or Nominees Are Selected
Each year, France Football compiles a list of 30 male nominees (and 20 female nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or). These names are selected by the magazine’s editorial team, who analyze performances across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international tournaments. Once the list of nominees is finalized, the voting process begins.
The voting panel consists of journalists from around the world one representative per country. Each journalist selects their top five players from the list, awarding points based on rank six points for first place, four for second, three for third, two for fourth, and one for fifth. The player with the highest total points wins the Ballon d’Or. In the event of a tie, the number of first-place votes acts as the tiebreaker.
In addition to the men’s and women’s awards, there are also categories for young players (Kopa Trophy), goalkeepers (Yashin Trophy), and clubs or nations recognized for overall success. This structure ensures that the Ballon d’Or nominations celebrate football’s diversity across roles, generations, and regions.
What It Means to Be Nominated
For a player, becoming a Ballon d’Or nominee is not just about numbers it’s a recognition of artistry, influence, and impact on the pitch. It acknowledges those who make football memorable, whether through technical brilliance, leadership, or emotional connection with fans. A nomination places a player among the sport’s elite for that year, joining names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka ModriÄ, and Karim Benzema in football history.
Many players consider being nominated an achievement on its own. For example, young stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland were nominated before turning 22, proving their rapid rise to global prominence. Meanwhile, veterans such as Luka ModriÄ or Robert Lewandowski have shown that consistent excellence over many seasons keeps them among the nominees year after year.
Qualities That Influence Ballon d’Or Nominations
- ConsistencyPerforming at a high level throughout the season, across domestic leagues and international competitions.
- Impact in Big GamesDelivering decisive performances in crucial matches such as finals, derbies, or knockout rounds.
- Team SuccessWhile it’s an individual award, trophies with clubs or national teams often strengthen a player’s case.
- Individual StatisticsGoals, assists, clean sheets, and overall contribution to team play.
- Leadership and InfluenceInspiring teammates and displaying professionalism both on and off the pitch.
These elements help determine why certain players stand out each season, turning outstanding performances into nominations and, for a few, eventual victories.
Recent Ballon d’Or Nominees
In recent years, the Ballon d’Or nomination list has been more competitive than ever, reflecting football’s global growth and the rise of talent from multiple continents. The 2024 nominees, for instance, featured a mix of established superstars and emerging stars with players from Europe, South America, and Africa all represented.
Names like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and VinÃcius Júnior dominated discussions. Goalkeepers like Emiliano MartÃnez and Thibaut Courtois also made the list thanks to their exceptional seasons, especially in international tournaments. The balance between attacking players, midfield maestros, and defensive anchors shows that the Ballon d’Or nomination recognizes excellence in every role on the pitch.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or has similarly highlighted incredible talent from the women’s game, such as Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Aitana BonmatÃ, and Ada Hegerberg all of whom have raised the standard for women’s football globally.
The Emotional Side of Ballon d’Or Nominations
Behind every Ballon d’Or nomination is a story of perseverance, training, and ambition. For players, this recognition often represents years of effort and sacrifice. Even those who don’t win use the nomination as motivation to continue improving. Fans, too, play a big part in the emotional aspect debating, celebrating, and passionately defending their favorite players.
In many ways, the nomination reflects the beauty of football as a global community. It brings together nations, clubs, and fans in appreciation of those who inspire through skill and determination. The excitement around the Ballon d’Or nominees list each year demonstrates how deeply people care about the game and the players who define it.
Controversies Around Nominations
Of course, the Ballon d’Or nomination process has not been without criticism. Some argue that the award leans too heavily toward attacking players, overlooking defenders or goalkeepers who play vital roles. Others claim that the voting process can be influenced by popularity rather than pure performance. Despite these debates, the Ballon d’Or remains the most anticipated individual award in football, largely because it continues to spark discussion and passion among fans.
In recent years, the inclusion of journalists from all over the world has helped balance regional bias, giving a more global perspective to the nominations. The expansion of categories like the Women’s Ballon d’Or and the Yashin Trophy has also been seen as progress in recognizing diverse talent.
Legacy of a Ballon d’Or Nominee
While winning the Ballon d’Or ensures a permanent place in football history, even being nominated is an achievement remembered by fans and experts. It means a player has reached the upper echelon of performance and influence for that season. Nominees become part of a select group of footballers whose skill, intelligence, and creativity have left a mark on the sport.
Over the decades, legends like Johan Cruyff, George Best, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been regular nominees, showing how sustained excellence is the hallmark of greatness. New generations aim to follow in their footsteps, proving that each Ballon d’Or nomination is both a reward and a challenge to keep evolving.
The Ballon d’Or nomination is more than just a list it’s a reflection of football’s heart, showcasing the athletes who define each era with brilliance, determination, and artistry. Whether they win or not, every nominated player represents the best of the sport and continues to inspire millions worldwide. The anticipation surrounding the Ballon d’Or nominees each year reminds us that football is not just about competition but about celebrating human talent at its highest level. As long as the game continues to evolve, so too will the stories of those who earn a place among the world’s finest.