Was the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony a night of deserved triumphs or shocking snubs? The landscape of footballing recognition has undeniably shifted, marking a potential turning point in how individual brilliance is celebrated and perceived. The annual France Football event, a cornerstone of the sport, unfolded on October 28th in the familiar setting of Paris, but not without its share of surprises and talking points.The Ballon d'Or award, an annual recognition bestowed upon the best footballers of the preceding year, remains the most coveted individual prize in the sport. First presented in 1956, it initially honored only European players, reflecting the dominance of the continent in the early years of professional football. However, the criteria evolved in 1995 to include any player, regardless of nationality, who played for a European club, dramatically broadening the scope and appeal of the award. This year's ceremony, however, seemed to deliberately stir the pot.
Category
Information
Award Name
Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball)
Presented by
France Football
First Awarded
1956
Criteria
Best male and female footballers over the previous year (initially European players only)
Eligibility Expansion
1995: Included players of any nationality playing in European clubs
Selection Process
Voting by journalists, national team coaches, and captains
