The Ballon d’Or represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the realm of football. On Monday, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane made history by becoming the first English player to take home the prestigious award since Michael Owen received it in 2001. Kane’s triumph brings forth a critical discussion about the inherent challenges in fairly evaluating individual talent within a team-focused sport.
For the better part of the past two decades, the narrative surrounding the Ballon d’Or has been largely dominated by the intense rivalry between football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. From 2008 to 2017, one of the two superstars claimed the award each year, resulting in them collectively amassing an impressive 13 out of the 17 awards handed out from 2008 to 2025.
While the duel between Messi and Ronaldo has generated substantial excitement around the Ballon d’Or, it has also obscured important questions about the award’s true purpose. The commercialisation of the ceremony has transformed it into a spectacle, raising issues regarding its focus on individual excellence, the predominance of attacking players in the selection process, and the evident bias towards European football.
The shift towards commercialisation reflects a broader transformation of football into a global entertainment industry, where players are not merely athletes but also brands. Steve Martin, a founding partner at MSQ Sport + Entertainment, notes that athletes now have more control over their personal branding, contributing significantly to their marketability and fan engagement.
This commercial angle, while increasing the award’s visibility, has not been without criticism. Former Swiss defender Ramon Vega pointed out that such monetisation detracts from the award’s core values. The elite recognition system has traditionally favored offensive players, with goalkeepers and defenders often underrepresented despite their fundamental roles in the game. Notably, Lev Yashin remains the single goalkeeper to secure the accolade, with Fabio Cannavaro being the last defender to do so in 2006, a reflection of a persistent bias in voter decisions.
Moreover, the award’s historical focus has neglected the impressive talents emerging from regions outside Europe, particularly from Africa and Asia. Following the inclusion of globally-based players in 1995, notable figures like Liberia’s George Weah made history; however, his victory remains unique among players from outside Europe and South America, illustrating the ongoing challenges for the Ballon d’Or to recognize talent on a truly global scale.
The award’s international voting panel consists of journalists from around the world, yet geographical diversity among voters does not ensure an equal representation of footballing prowess. For the Ballon d’Or to reclaim its status as a genuine symbol of individual excellence, it must evolve beyond being a platform primarily for Western European talent.
In light of these observations, it is vital for France Football, the award’s organizer, to reassess the nomination and voting process to embrace a more comprehensive understanding of the global game, acknowledging exceptional contributions from players of all positions and geographical backgrounds. Only then can the Ballon d’Or serve as a true reflection of the beautiful game’s spirit, celebrating the best talents from every corner of the world.
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