Ballon d'Or 2024: Award Rules Explained - Everything You Need To Know
The Ballon d'Or, arguably the most prestigious individual award in football, is back for another year. But what are the rules? Who gets to vote? And how are the winners actually decided? Let's break down the nitty-gritty so you can understand how this legendary prize gets handed out.
Who Can Win the Ballon d'Or?
The Ballon d'Or, simply put, is awarded to the best male football player in the world. But it's not just about goals and assists. Here are the key factors considered:
- Individual Performance: This is the big one. How did a player perform on the pitch? Goals, assists, but also overall impact on the team are all considered.
- Team Success: It's much easier to shine individually when your team is winning. Winning trophies, like the Champions League or domestic league titles, are huge factors.
- International Performance: While club football is the main focus, international success (like the World Cup or European Championship) adds extra weight to a player's case.
- Fair Play & Sportsmanship: These are less talked about but still considered. Think about how a player conducts themselves on and off the pitch.
Who Gets To Vote?
The Ballon d'Or is decided by a panel of 100 journalists, each from a different country. Each journalist votes for their top 30 players in order of preference. This means you'll see a lot of debate and discussion about who should be in the top 30, especially as the list gets narrowed down.
How Are The Points Awarded?
The voting system isn't just about who you think is the best. It's about how strongly you feel about them.
- 1st Place: 5 points
- 2nd Place: 3 points
- 3rd Place: 1 point
The player with the most points after all the votes are tallied wins the Ballon d'Or. It's like a giant, global poll with a unique scoring system.
The "New" Ballon d'Or
It's important to note that the Ballon d'Or has gone through some changes in recent years. There used to be separate awards for male and female players, but now it's a unified ceremony with both a Men's Ballon d'Or and a Women's Ballon d'Or.
More Than Just Football
The Ballon d'Or ceremony isn't just about the main awards. There are also other prizes handed out, such as:
- Kopa Trophy: For the best young player (under 21 years old).
- Yashin Trophy: For the best goalkeeper.
- Gerd Muller Trophy: For the top goalscorer of the year.
The Buzz Around the Ballon d'Or
The Ballon d'Or is not just an award. It's a whole event, with red carpets, speeches, and a whole lot of excitement. It's a night where the best of the best in football are celebrated, and you can bet everyone will be glued to their screens to see who takes home the coveted trophy.
So, are you ready to see who wins the Ballon d'Or in 2024? We'll be keeping a close eye on the contenders and the voting system. This is going to be a nail-biter!