The Ballon d’Or Gets a Makeover: Focusing on Individual Brilliance
The prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at addressing past controversies and enhancing clarity.Starting this year, the award will align with the football season, evaluating player performance throughout a specific campaign rather than across a calendar year. This shift means the 2023 Ballon d’Or will recognise achievements from the 2022-2023 season, with the World Cup in Qatar (november 21 – December 18, 2022) influencing the 2024 award. Similarly, the Women’s European Championship (November 6 – July 31, 2023) will factor into the 2023 women’s Ballon d’Or, where Spain’s Alexia Putellas currently reigns supreme.
This change directly addresses a key point of contention: the weight given to collective trophies versus individual brilliance.
Previously, the emphasis on team success sometimes overshadowed extraordinary individual performances. This was evident in the 2021 Ballon d’Or, where Lionel Messi secured his record seventh win, despite strong performances from contenders like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema. Pascal Ferré, France Football‘s editor-in-chief, emphasized the need for clarity: “The Ballon d’Or is an individual distinction, based on individual performances.”
A New Era of selection
the revamped selection process further emphasizes individual merit.
As 2008, the Ballon d’Or has largely been a two-horse race between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Luka Modric’s 2018 win being a notable exception. France Football aims to foster greater competition by focusing solely on the current season’s performance, while also considering a player’s sportsmanship and class.
The selection process itself is also evolving.
Previously, France Football‘s editorial team solely curated the lists of nominees. now, former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba and voters whose selections closely aligned with the previous year’s winners will contribute to the process. Additionally, the number of voters will be reduced from representatives of 170 countries to the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, aiming to elevate the quality and expertise of the voting panel.
These changes signal a bold new direction for the Ballon d’Or, prioritizing individual brilliance and ensuring a more obvious and competitive process. The football world eagerly awaits to see how these adjustments will shape the future of this coveted award.
Is the Ballon d’Or Losing Its Sheen or Gaining Glitter? A Conversation with Former Skipper, Steve McManaman
The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual accolade, has been shrouded in controversy for years. Now, France Football is shaking things up with a massive overhaul aimed at clarifying the selection process and prioritizing individual brilliance over collective achievements.To get his take on these radical changes, we sat down with former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger, and seasoned football pundit, steve McManaman.
Moderator: Steve, thanks for joining us. The Ballon d’Or is getting a major revamp. What are your initial thoughts on these changes?
Steve McManaman: It’s certainly a bold move by France Football. Bringing the award in line with the football season makes sense, eliminating the confusion of evaluating performances across a calendar year.
Moderator: Right, and the emphasis on individual brilliance, rather than solely team success, seems to be a key driver behind this shift.
SM: Absolutely.Look, while team trophies are undeniably important, football also hinges on moments of individual magic. Talent should be recognized, and sometimes, a player can single-handedly elevate their team even if they don’t lift the ultimate prize.
Moderator: You mentioned moments of individual magic. Do you think this new approach will open the door for more diverse winners, ending the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly we’ve seen for so long?
SM: (Laughs) It’s certainly a good question. Those two are remarkable, there’s no doubt whatsoever about it.But I think you’ll see more contenders emerge now. Players like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, even someone like Vinicius Junior, who show unbelievable individual spark, will have a real shot.
Moderator: Engaging. France football is also changing the selection process,involving former players like Didier Drogba and refining the voting panel.
SM: Smart move. Bringing in former players adds credibility and provides a different perspective. Plus, focusing on the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations raises the overall quality of the voting pool.
Moderator: Some argue that these changes are a response to past controversies, suggesting the award has lost some of its prestige. Do you agree?
SM: Look, every award has its critics. But I think these changes are more about evolution than damage control. Football is changing, and the Ballon d’Or needs to keep pace. It’s about staying relevant and recognizing the best talent in the modern game.
Moderator: So, Steve, your overall take: good move by France Football?
SM: Definitely. It’s a bold step, but a necessary one. only time will tell the full impact, but I see it as a positive move for the future of the Ballon d’Or.
Moderator: Thank you, Steve. Fantastic insights! now, let’s open it up to our readers: What are your thoughts on the Ballon d’Or revamp? Does it make the award more fair and meaningful? Share your opinions in the comments below!
