Ballon d'Or: All You Need to Know

Whether you binge‑watch the Champions League or just love a good goal reel, the Ballon d'Or is the trophy that sparks the biggest chats among fans. It isn’t just a shiny ball on a stand – it’s the benchmark for who’s the best player on the planet at any given time.

What is the Ballon d'Or?

The Ballon d'Or started in 1956, created by the French magazine France Football. Journalists from around the world vote for the player who performed best over the season – league games, cups, and international tournaments all count. The award used to be for Europeans only, but now anyone playing in Europe can win, and even non‑European stars have taken it home.

Each year, a shortlist of about thirty players is announced. Voters rank their top five, giving points from one to five. The player with the highest total snags the prize. It’s a simple system, but the drama around it is anything but simple.

Recent Winners and Who’s in the Race

In the last decade, the award has mostly swung between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – a rivalry that defined an era. Messi lifted it six times, while Ronaldo took it five. Since they stepped back, new names have emerged. Karim Benzema won in 2022 after a spectacular season with Real Madrid, and Luka Modrić broke the Messi‑Ronaldo duopoly in 2018.

Looking at this season, the big talkers are Erling Haaland, who’s been a goal machine in the Premier League, and Kylian Mbappé, who keeps delivering in the Champions League. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah also get mentioned because of their consistency.

Our tag page pulls together the freshest Ballon d'Or stories – from fan debates to official announcements. You’ll find analysis on why a player deserved it, what the critics say, and how the voting process might change in the future.

Want a quick cheat sheet? Here’s a snapshot of the last five winners:

• 2023 – Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina)
• 2022 – Karim Benzema (Real Madrid / France)
• 2021 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona / Argentina)
• 2020 – No award (COVID‑19 pandemic)
• 2019 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona / Argentina)

Every year brings a new story, and the debate never stops. Some fans argue the award should factor in team trophies more, while others say individual brilliance is enough. Whatever side you’re on, the Ballon d'Or gives you a reason to argue over the weekend matches.

Stay tuned to our Ballon d'Or tag for in‑depth previews before the voting, live updates when the shortlist drops, and post‑award reactions from the players themselves. We keep the coverage simple, direct, and packed with the facts you actually need.

Got a player you think deserves the prize? Drop a comment and join the conversation. The Ballon d'Or isn’t just a trophy – it’s a community of fans who love the beautiful game. Keep checking back for the latest news, analysis, and debates right here on Chicken Shack News.