A Revamped Ballon d’Or: Aligning with the Football Season
The prestigious Ballon d’Or,awarded annually by France Football to the best male and female football players,is undergoing a notable change.Starting with the 2021-2022 season,the award will now reflect the football season,rather than the calendar year. This shift, according to France Football editor-in-chief pascal Ferré, aims to enhance the award’s clarity and relevance.
“this change breathes new life into the Ballon d’Or,” Ferré explained. “Previously,we evaluated players based on two half-seasons. This new format will make the judging process more transparent and easier to understand.”
The next ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for September or October 2022, recognizing performances from the season that began a year prior. Key events like the Men’s Champions League final (May 28) and the Women’s Euro (July 6-31) will be crucial factors in the selection process.
In addition to the calendar change, the voting process is also being streamlined. The jury, composed of journalists, will now consist of 100 voters, each representing one of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. This represents a reduction from the previous 170 voters,ensuring a more focused and representative selection process.
Aligning the Ballon d’Or wiht the Football Season: A Conversation with Marta Vieira da Silva
The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is undergoing a significant overhaul. Joining me today is six-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, Marta Vieira da Silva, to discuss these changes and what they mean for the future of the award.
Marta, welcome!
>Thank you for having me.It’s great to be here.
Let’s get right into it. France Football announced that the Ballon d’Or will now align with the football season, recognizing performances from August to May instead of the calendar year. What are your initial thoughts on this change?
>I think it’s a positive step. Previously, players where being judged on two distinct half-seasons, which could feel disconnected. Aligning the award with the football season creates a more natural narrative and allows us to evaluate players based on their performance over a complete competitive cycle.
France Football editor-in-chief, Pascal Ferré, has stated that this shift aims to improve the award’s clarity and relevance. Do you think it achieves that goal?
>Absolutely. Football is cyclical, with leagues and tournaments culminating in specific periods. By reflecting this natural rhythm, the Ballon d’Or becomes more aligned with how we consume and understand the sport. It feels more genuine, reflecting the ebb and flow of a season rather than an arbitrary calendar date.
The new format means key tournaments like the Men’s Champions League final and the Women’s Euros will be crucial factors in the selection process. Does this add extra pressure on players to perform at their peak during these decisive moments?
>Every match is vital, and these tournaments undoubtedly carry extra weight. But true greats perform consistently throughout the season.This change doesn’t simply reward individual brilliance in a single month; it acknowledges sustained excellence over an extended period.
There’s also been a streamlining of the voting process. The jury will now consist of 100 journalists representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, down from 170 voters. Do you feel this smaller, more focused jury will lead to fairer results?
>Perhaps. A smaller jury might allow for more in-depth analysis and discussion among those selecting the winner. however, I believe the most important factor remains the clarity of the criteria used for evaluation. As long as those criteria are clear and consistently applied, the size of the jury becomes secondary.
what message would you like to send to young aspiring footballers,both male and female,who hope to one day lift the prestigious Ballon d’Or?
Believe in your dreams,work tirelessly to improve your game,and never be afraid to express yourself on the pitch. The Ballon d’Or isn’t just about individual talent; it’s about a player’s impact on their team and the joy they bring to the sport. So, focus on playing with passion, dedication, and the spirit of teamwork. That’s where the real magic happens.
what are your thoughts on these changes to the Ballon d’Or? do you agree with Marta’s perspective? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s discuss!
