| In a nutshell: |
The Ballon d'Or was Europe's most prestigious award, created back in 1956 by France Football magazine.
In 2010 it was merged with FIFA's World Player of the Year Award.
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| Awarded to: |
As the original Ballon d'Or it was originally open only to footballers of European nationality, and then
opened up to anyone playing for a European club. But now it's open to any footballer, of any nationality, in any league.
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| Voted by: |
The award is voted for by football journalists, international coaches and international captains.
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| When: |
Annually, in January.
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| Worth a mention: |
1. There's a female award too. And a coach one.
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FIFA Ballon d'Or Award 