By Daily Review Online
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will feature several individual and team awards recognising outstanding achievements in men’s and women’s football, as the prestigious event celebrates its 70th anniversary in London.
The Ballon d’Or was first presented in 1956, with England legend Sir Stanley Matthews becoming its inaugural winner. The award, organised by France Football, has since grown into one of football’s most prestigious individual honours.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé won the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2025, finishing ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Lionel Messi holds the record for the most men’s Ballon d’Or victories, with eight, while Cristiano Ronaldo has won the award five times.
Beyond the main men’s and women’s prizes, the ceremony recognises young talents, goalkeepers, leading goalscorers, clubs, coaches and footballers making significant humanitarian contributions.
🔷 List of Ballon d’Or Awards
1. Men’s Ballon d’Or
Awarded to the outstanding male footballer of the year. A jury of 100 journalists from leading FIFA-ranked countries votes on a 30-player shortlist.
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or
Recognises the leading female footballer of the year. A panel of 50 journalists selects the winner.
3. Men’s Kopa Trophy
Honours the best male player under the age of 21. The winner is selected by former Ballon d’Or recipients. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal became the first two-time winner in 2025.
4. Women’s Kopa Trophy
Recognises the best young female footballer. Barcelona’s Vicky López won the inaugural award in 2025.
5. Men’s Yashin Trophy
Honours the best male goalkeeper of the year. The award is named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin.
6. Women’s Yashin Trophy
Recognises the best female goalkeeper. England international Hannah Hampton won the inaugural award in 2025.
7. Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy
Awarded to the leading goalscorer based on goals scored during the relevant European season. It is named after the legendary German striker Gerd Müller. Viktor Gyökeres won the men’s award in 2025.
8. Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy
Recognises the leading female goalscorer. Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor won the inaugural award in 2025.
9. Men’s Club of the Year
Recognises the outstanding men’s football club of the season. Manchester City won the award in 2022 and 2023.
10. Women’s Club of the Year
Honours the outstanding women’s football club. Arsenal won the award in 2025 after Barcelona’s successive victories.
11. Socrates Award
Recognises footballers whose humanitarian and charitable initiatives have made a significant social impact. The award is named after Brazilian football legend Sócrates.
12. Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy
Recognises the outstanding men’s football coach. The award was introduced in 2024 under the Johan Cruyff name.
13. Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy
Honours the outstanding women’s football coach. United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes won the inaugural award in 2024.
Messi and Ronaldo Lead Ballon d’Or History
The Ballon d’Or has been dominated in recent decades by Messi and Ronaldo, whose individual achievements helped define an era of European football.
Messi’s eight victories remain the record for the men’s award, while Ronaldo has five. Their rivalry coincided with the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in major European competitions.
The introduction of additional categories has broadened the ceremony’s recognition of excellence, highlighting the achievements of women footballers, young prospects, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs.
As the award marks its 70th anniversary in London, the 2026 ceremony is expected to celebrate both football’s historic greats and the players shaping its future.