The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, continues to spark debate over its relevance and criteria in an era dominated by team-oriented play. Since its inception in 1956, the award has reflected a tension between celebrating individual brilliance and recognizing collective achievement—a dynamic that remains pronounced as the latest edition approaches.
The origins of this tension date back to a pivotal moment in 1963 when Milan’s defensive strategy, epitomized by a hard foul on Benfica’s Mário Coluna, underscored a shift away from individual flair toward systematic, team-driven football. This shift has defined modern football, where even highly talented stars must operate within cohesive units to find success. Yet, individual honors like the Ballon d’Or persist amid this team focus, raising questions about how to fairly assess a single player’s impact.
The first Ballon d’Or awarded to Stanley Matthews at age 38 is often viewed through the lens of a lifetime achievement rather than pure form in that year’s competition. Blackpool, his club at the time, finished second in England’s First Division, well behind Manchester United. Other candidates included younger, arguably more impactful players such as Duncan Edwards and Tommy Taylor, as well as international stars like Alfredo Di Stéfano and the top scorers from several European leagues. Matthews’ win demonstrated early recognition of career longevity and overall contribution rather than dominance in a single season.
Today’s nominations reflect a similarly complex landscape. Front-runners come from clubs and countries with contrasting fortunes. Paris Saint-Germain’s recent back-to-back Champions League titles under coach Luis Enrique highlight the fruits of a collective effort with a highly talented front line. Yet determining the standout individual within such a unit remains challenging. While Ousmane Dembélé won the award last year, this time a standout like Kvicha Kvaratskhelia faces questions over his international credentials, given Georgia’s absence from the World Cup.
Arsenal, who achieved a rare combination of Premier League triumph and Champions League final appearance, embody collective strength rather than individual acclaim, with only a few players shortlisted and none shining brightly at the World Cup. Spain’s World Cup-winning squad also emphasizes team interplay, led by midfielders like Rodri, who, despite limited club minutes late in the season, exemplifies their balanced style.
On the other hand, clubs with fewer achievements this season, including Real Madrid and key players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr., face diminished standing. Lionel Messi’s performances were notable at the World Cup but playing in Major League Soccer reduces his candidacy.
Amid the absence of an obvious dominant figure, Harry Kane emerges as a compelling contender. His exceptional goal-scoring tally of 61 in 51 club matches last season, combined with six goals at the World Cup, underlines his individual consistency and influence. Kane’s ability to deliver crucial performances, such as his goal against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reinforces his credentials.
In seasons without a clear frontrunner, the Ballon d’Or jury often favors consistency, longevity, and all-around contribution—criteria that recall Matthews’ original recognition. As debates unfold ahead of Monday’s announcement, the award remains a reflection not only of excellence but also of the enduring challenge in balancing individual recognition within football’s fundamentally collective nature.