The history and evolution of the Ballon d’Or, told with someone who knows this year’s winner

The Ballon d’Or has evolved from a modest, low-key award into a globally televised spectacle driven by intense lobbying from agents and clubs. Ahead of the upcoming ceremony at the London Palladium, France Football editor Vincent Garcia confirmed that the voting has closed and only a few organizers know the winners. Garcia and his predecessor, Pascal Ferre, reflected on the trophy's historical growth, which accelerated dramatically during the intense rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Contenders for the men’s prize include Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, while Alexia Putellas is considered the favorite for the women’s award. Organizers introduced strict confidentiality rules to prevent leaks following previous controversies, including Real Madrid’s boycott in 2024 when Rodri won over Vinicius Junior. Garcia emphasized that despite heavy external pressure and campaigning, the final vote remains determined entirely by an international jury of 100 journalists evaluating individual athletic performances.