Who Decides The Ballon d’Or Winner And What Are The Criteria?

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football, given annually to the best player across a season. Since its creation in 1956 by France Football, the award has been regarded as the ultimate recognition of excellence in the game.

One question often asked by fans is who decides the Ballon d’Or winner and on what basis. The process is detailed and involves journalists from across the world, with specific rules and criteria laid out by the organizers.

Who Decides the Ballon d’Or Winner?

The Ballon d’Or is organized and awarded by France Football, the French magazine that first created the award. The winner is chosen by an international jury of specialized journalists, ensuring global representation and fairness.

For the men’s Ballon d’Or, one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations is eligible to vote.

For the women’s Ballon d’Or, one journalist from each of the top 50 FIFA-ranked nations takes part.

The initial shortlist of nominees is created by the editorial team at France Football in collaboration with L’Équipe. Former award ambassadors and the best-performing juror from the previous year also assist in compiling the list.

This process guarantees that the pool of candidates is selected with care before voting begins.

The Voting Process

Once the shortlist is announced, the jury of journalists casts their votes. Each journalist selects ten players in order of preference. The voting works on a points system:

1st place = 15 points

2nd place = 12 points

3rd place = 10 points

4th place = 8 points

5th place = 7 points

6th place = 5 points

7th place = 4 points

8th place = 3 points

9th place = 2 points

10th place = 1 point

The player with the highest total points wins the Ballon d’Or.

If there is a tie, the rules state that the number of first-place votes is considered. If still tied, second-place votes are compared, then third-place votes, and so on. In the rare event that no clear winner emerges, the final decision rests with the editor-in-chief of France Football.

Criteria for Deciding the Winner

According to France Football and UEFA, there are three main criteria used by journalists when casting their votes:

Individual performances – Players are judged on their overall displays throughout the season, including decisive contributions in key matches.
Team achievements – Successes with club and national teams, such as league titles, continental trophies, or international tournaments, carry significant weight.
Class and fair play – Beyond statistics, voters also consider professionalism, sporting conduct, and the overall influence of a player both on and off the pitch.

This ensures that the award reflects not only talent and success but also sportsmanship and leadership qualities.

Why the Ballon d’Or Is So Important

The Ballon d’Or is more than just a trophy. It is a global recognition of a player’s consistency, skill, and influence at the highest level of football. Winning it places a player in the history books alongside legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michel Platini, and George Weah.

Because the decision comes from a worldwide panel of journalists rather than fans or coaches alone, the Ballon d’Or carries credibility and authority that makes it stand out among football awards.

The Ballon d’Or winner is decided by an international jury of journalists chosen by France Football. Using a points-based voting system, they assess players according to individual performance, team achievements, and fair play.

This structured process ensures that the award remains football’s most prestigious individual honor, highlighting the very best talents the game has to offer.

FAQs

Q1. Who organizes the Ballon d’Or?

A. The Ballon d’Or is organized and awarded by France Football magazine.

Q2. Who votes for the Ballon d’Or winner?

A. An international jury of journalists, one per country from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations (men) and top 50 nations (women).

Q3. What are the main criteria for winning the Ballon d’Or?

A. Individual performances, team achievements, and class/fair play.

Q4. How is the Ballon d’Or voting system structured?

A. Journalists vote for ten players in order, with points awarded from 15 for first place down to 1 for tenth.

Q5. What happens if two players tie on points?

A. The number of first-place votes decides. If still tied, the process moves to second, third, and so on, with the editor-in-chief of France Football having the final say if needed.

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