UEFA and Groupe Amaury, owner of media companies France Football and L’Équipe, on Friday announced a partnership to co-organise the renowned Ballon d’Or from 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that the two guardians of football aim to enhance the stature and global reach of the awards while fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the football community.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious accolade a footballer can receive in recognition of outstanding achievements and exceptional talent.
According to the agreement, Groupe Amaury remains the owner of the Ballon d’Or brand and will continue to oversee the voting system, which will remain unchanged and independent; while UEFA will contribute its football expertise, market the global commercial rights and organise the annual awards gala.
The statement on the UEFA website read, “Furthermore, two new awards will be added to the programme; a men’s and women’s coach of the year, which will recognise the invaluable contribution of coaches to the success on the pitch. The current trophy line-up will continue with the same names, the Men’s Ballon d’Or, Women’s Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy (best player under 21 years of age), Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), Gerd Müller Trophy (top scorer in previous season), Men’s Club of the Season Trophy, Women’s Club of the Season Trophy and Sócrates Award (humanitarian work).
In reaction to the development, the UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin, “For almost 70 years, the Ballon d’Or® has stood as the most prestigious individual accolade in the world of football and is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication, and impact of the game’s legends and their enduring mark on the sport’s history. UEFA club and national team competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO, are regarded as the highest global stages for elite players, often playing a critical role in a players’ candidacy for major honours and their place in the football pantheon. UEFA and Ballon d’Or® are synonyms of sporting excellence, so our partnership will be a natural blend of prominence and a synergy that promises to be nothing short of exceptional.”
On his part, the CEO Groupe Amaury, Jean-Étienne Amaury said, “The Ballon d’Or is the dream award for the world’s greatest players. We want to make the Ballon d’Or Awards Ceremony to be the global event that showcases and highlights the talent of top-level footballers in their individual and collective performances, to inspire all talents in football and aim to bring together the passion and enthusiasm of fans from all over the world.”
The statement read further, “The partnership further cements the relationship and historical ties between UEFA and Groupe Amaury that date back more than half a century when L’Équipe contributed to the idea of creating the European Champions Clubs’ Cup, which has become the world’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League.”
The Ballon d’Or, which was first awarded in 1956 to crown the best European footballer each season, was later expanded in 1995 to include players of all origins based in Europe.
In 2007, it became a global prize with all players from across world being eligible. A recent change means the award is now based on a player’s record over the last season, rather than over the course of the calendar year.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, for a record-extending eighth time on Monday after inspiring his country to glory at the 2022 World Cup.
In the Women category, Aitana Bonmati won the won the award in 2023 for her starring role for club and country, winning the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.
