The Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) awards, co-organised by France Football magazine and UEFA, are among football's most prestigious individual honours.

Started in 1956, the award was decided by journalists to select the best European player of the previous year, before expanding in 1995 to include all players playing in Europe and then finally in 2007 to all players the world over. For six years between 2010-2015, the award was given in conjunction with FIFA, before the partnership ended and FIFA reverted to their separate annual award. The current iteration sees the award given for achievements during a football season, and not a calendar year, with the voting being done by an international jury of journalists (one per country).

Lionel Messi has won the most Ballons d'Or with eight, Cristi

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