What is the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or, French for Golden Ball, is soccer's most famous individual award, given each year to the best player in the world. Harry Kane won the men's award in 2026.
The award was created in 1956 by the French magazine France Football. At first, only European players at European clubs were eligible. The first winner was England's Stanley Matthews. Since 1995, players of any nationality at European clubs have been eligible, and since 2007, players from clubs anywhere in the world.
Since 2024, the award has been organized together with UEFA. The winner is chosen by a jury of journalists from countries around the world, judging performance during the previous season. A women's Ballon d'Or was added in 2018, and there are also awards for the best young player, goalkeeper and coach.
Recent winners
England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 men's award at a ceremony in London, after an outstanding season with Bayern Munich. Alexia Putellas of Spain won the women's award for the third time. Ousmane Dembélé won the men's award in 2025, and Rodri won in 2024.
Did You Know?
The Ballon d'Or was not awarded in 2020 because the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the soccer season.