Why Is the Ballon d’Or Considered the Most Prestigious Award in Soccer History?

In soccer, only a few prizes carry as much prominence as the Ballon d’Or. This coveted award has been proclaimed by some of the game’s greatest legends over the years. But, today, we will shift our focus away from the previous and future winners. Rather, we’ll untangle the mystery to understand why this trophy is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in the history of soccer.

Just like the FIFA World Cup or the Champions League are important for teams, the Golden Ball trophy occupies a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike.

Why is the Ballon d’Or one of the most prestigious awards in soccer?

The Ballon d’Or is considered one of the highest honors in terms of individual recognition. Beyond individual triumphs, it also symbolizes sheer brilliance and acknowledgment in the beautiful game. Even though there are other personal awards, such as the Golden Boot and Player of the Year, this French award is on every tongue.

The biggest reason why the Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious trophies among others is because it has the oldest individual acclaim. Started in 1956, this award has been presented for over six decades, except in 2020, when it was canceled due to COVID-19, the year Robert Lewandowski was snubbed. Its enduring presence in the beautiful game has made it a timeless accolade.

Another reason is its vast inclusion of players. For instance, let’s take any domestic league, say the Premier League. Now, after the season ends, the player who has had an exceptional season wins the Player of the Year award and the Golden Boot for those who score the most goals. However, these awards are limited to that specific league. Except for the Ballon d’Or, all kinds of players who have had an excellent season in different ways compete with each other to win the coveted award.

READ MORE: What MLS Players Have Won or Have Been Nominated for Ballon d’Or as Lionel Messi Eyes His 8th?

In other words, we can say the Ballon d’Or is like the UEFA Champions League, where players around Europe rally for the trophy.

Other prestigious awards in soccer

Apart from the Ballon d’Or, there are other individual trophies. The first is FIFA’s ‘The Best.‘ Although originally known as the ‘FIFA World Player of the Year,’  the soccer body rebranded it as ‘The Best‘ in 2017. While it may not surpass France Football Magazine’s Ballon d’Or in prestige, it is still considered a noteworthy award. Another is the UEFA Player of the Year, as the name suggests, awarded by UEFA, Europe’s soccer governing body.

Additionally, there are awards for specific categories. There is the European Golden Boot for the top scorer and the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal. However, when considering ‘The Best’ or the UEFA POTY, it’s evident that the Ballon d’Or remains the favorite among many. Undoubtedly, the Ballon d’Or is set to maintain its status as a prestigious award for many years to come.

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