Frank Christian
Football enthusiasts witness two prestigious individual honors every year—the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards. These ceremonies celebrate individuals who have excelled in the sport, serving as a gauge of prominence in specific eras.
While both awards are highly coveted, there are distinct disparities between the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best. Let’s delve into what sets them apart and examine which carries more weight.
Key Differences Between Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best
These two accolades are more than just names. Here are some fundamental disparities:
History
The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956, predates FIFA’s The Best awards, which emerged in their current form in 2017.
Voting
The Ballon d’Or winners are solely determined by global journalists, except for 2010-2015 when FIFA collaborated. In contrast, FIFA’s The Best incorporates votes from national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.
Schedule
Another notable distinction is the timing of the awards. The Ballon d’Or, awarded in October, focuses on a single season’s performances. Conversely, FIFA announces its winners at the start or end of a calendar year, considering performances within that period.
Trophy
The Ballon d’Or winner receives a golden ball, whereas The Best awardee is presented with a platinum trophy resembling a miniature World Cup.
FIFA’s Relationship with the Ballon d’Or
Historically, FIFA collaborated with France Football to present the Ballon d’Or. This partnership began in 2010, leading to the ‘FIFA Ballon d’Or’ amalgamation. However, they parted ways in 2015, after which FIFA initiated its distinct awards.
Players Winning Both Awards
While the awards differ, several players have triumphed in both. Notably, in 2021, Lionel Messi clinched the Ballon d’Or, while Robert Lewandowski secured FIFA’s The Best, sparking controversy.
Significance of Ballon d’Or Compared to FIFA The Best
With over five decades of tradition, the Ballon d’Or holds a special place in football history. Many current players idolized past winners of the golden ball, creating a sense of reverence around the award. Conversely, FIFA’s The Best, although globally recognized, requires time to attain the revered status that the Ballon d’Or enjoys.
Reflecting on his 2022 Ballon d’Or win, Benzema expressed, “It was a childhood dream.” FIFA’s The Best may need another decade to evoke similar sentiments among future players.
