UEFA will organize the prestigious Ballon d’Or together with the French media group Groupe Amaury from 2024. This was announced by the European Football Union.
The Ballon d’Or has been awarded annually since 1956 by the specialist magazine “France Football”, which belongs to Groupe Amaury. Argentina’s world champion Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for the eighth time.
“For almost 70 years, the Ballon d’Or has been considered the most prestigious individual award in the world of football. It is a testament to the outstanding ability, commitment and legacy left by the world’s best players in the history of our sport have,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. The partnership offers “extraordinary synergies”.
Groupe Amaury will remain the owner of the brand and will continue to monitor the unchanged voting behavior. “UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market global commercial rights and organize the annual gala event,” the association said.
In addition, two new awards will be included in the program: from 2024, the trainer of the year will also be chosen.
The Ballon d’Or is not a replacement for the world footballer’s election. This election will continue to be organized by the world association FIFA. From 2010 to 2015, the world footballer was awarded the Golden Ball through a cooperation between FIFA and “France Football”.