The Origins of the Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football. It was first awarded in 1956 by the French football magazine, France Football, to the best European player of the year. The award was later opened up to players from all over the world in 1995.
What is the Super Ballon d’Or?
The Super Ballon d’Or is a special award that is given to the player who has won the Ballon d’Or the most number of times. It was first introduced in 1989 and has only been awarded to two players in history.
The First Super Ballon d’Or Winner
The first player to win the Super Ballon d’Or was Michel Platini, who won it three times in a row from 1983 to 1985. Platini was a French midfielder who played for the Italian club Juventus and the French national team. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
The Second Super Ballon d’Or Winner
The second and current holder of the Super Ballon d’Or is Lionel Messi. The Argentine has won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times, with his first win coming in 2009. Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and has won numerous other awards throughout his career.
How is the Ballon d’Or Awarded?
The Ballon d’Or is awarded by a panel of journalists from around the world. Each journalist is asked to select their top three players from a list of nominees. The player with the most votes is then awarded the Ballon d’Or. The award is usually presented in December each year.
What Makes a Player Eligible for the Ballon d’Or?
To be eligible for the Ballon d’Or, a player must have played in a top-tier league or competition. This includes the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and the World Cup. The player must also have played at a consistently high level throughout the year and made a significant impact on their team’s success.
What Does Winning the Ballon d’Or Mean?
Winning the Ballon d’Or is a huge achievement for any player. It is a recognition of their talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. It also elevates their status in the football world and can lead to new opportunities, such as lucrative sponsorship deals or transfers to bigger clubs.
Conclusion
The Super Ballon d’Or is a special award that is only given to the best of the best. Michel Platini and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players of all time and have rightly earned this prestigious honor. Winning the Ballon d’Or is a dream for many players and is a testament to their skill and dedication to the sport.
