The FIFA Ballon d'Or Award
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 and re-badged as the FIFA Ballon d'Or award.
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.
Voted by:
The award is voted for by football journalists, international coaches and international captains.
When:
Annually, in December.
Worth a mention:
1. There's a female award too. And one for coaches.
The FIFA Ballon d'Or Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Antoine Griezmann (FRA) Atletico Madrid |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Neymar (BRA) Barcelona |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Manuel Neuer (GER) Bayern Munich |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Franck Ribery (FRA) Bayern Munich |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Andres Iniesta (SPA) Barcelona |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) Real Madrid | Xavi (SPA) Barcelona |
| 2010 | Lionel Messi (ARG) Barcelona | Andres Iniesta (SPA) Barcelona | Xavi (SPA) Barcelona |
The Ballon d'Or Winners before FIFA got involved...
