The most esteemed individual awards in football follow distinct criteria when selecting winners.
In 2016, a split occurred between French football magazine and the international federation, leading each to present its own accolade. The Ballon d’Or is awarded by France Football, while The Best FIFA Men’s Player is bestowed by the sport’s global governing body. These distinctions are the sport’s pinnacle honors, yet their winners are determined by different sets of considerations year by year.
GOAL provides a clear explanation of what each organization weighs when deciding its prizes, ensuring fans understand the nuances behind the selections.
WHAT DOES THE BALLOON D’OR TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?
In addition to the quality of play and the number of goals and assists, the Ballon d’Or recognizes achievements at club and national levels across an entire calendar year. This means performances across all competitions within a given year are considered when choosing the winner.
Starting with the 2021-2022 season, France Football adjusted the timing of its assessment. From the 2022 Ballon d’Or onward, the evaluation focuses on performance during the most recently completed season, effectively shifting the window to look at what was accomplished in the prior season rather than a strict calendar year.
WHAT DOES THE BEST AWARD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT?
The Best award, by contrast, centers on season-long performance. It looks at the period from August of a given year to July of the following year, with the aim of capturing a coherent arc of excellence across a single football season.
Historically, in 2009 France Football and FIFA merged to create a global award that included players regardless of nationality or league. The first FIFA Ballon d’Or was awarded in 2010 as a result. The two organizations parted six years later, giving rise to The Best, a separate honor that, while distinct in its governance, evaluates players based on individual achievements and impact on the game.
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