The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. It symbolizes the pinnacle of personal achievement for players and is revered across the globe. While the men's Ballon d'Or has a long and storied history dating back to 1956, the women's version is relatively new, first introduced in 2018.
So, what exactly differentiates the two? Although both awards aim to honor the best footballers on the planet, there are key differences in history, voting, media attention, and impact. Let’s take a deep dive into how the men's and women's Ballon d'Or awards compare.
History of the Ballon d'Or
Origins of the Men's Ballon d'Or
The men’s Ballon d’Or was created in 1956 by France Football, a French sports magazine. It was originally intended for European players playing in Europe, but the eligibility was expanded in 1995 to include players of any nationality playing in Europe, and again in 2007 to include players globally.
Winners are selected based on their performances over the calendar year, not the football season, which is a distinctive feature compared to other awards.
Introduction of the Women's Ballon d'Or
The women's Ballon d'Or, officially known as the Ballon d'Or Féminin, was first awarded in 2018, over six decades after the original award. Norwegian forward Ada Hegerberg became the inaugural winner. The creation of this award marked a significant step towards recognizing the growth and excellence of women's football on a global scale.
Awarding Body and Sponsorship
Both the men's and women's Ballon d'Or are awarded by France Football. The ceremony is typically sponsored by major international brands such as L’Équipe, adidas, and various luxury brands.
However, the men's Ballon d'Or generally receives far more media and corporate sponsorship due to its long-established history and global following. In contrast, the women’s award, while growing, still receives comparatively less commercial attention.
Eligibility Criteria
Men's Ballon d'Or Criteria
Players are judged based on:
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Individual and team performances over the calendar year
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Player talent and sportsmanship
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Overall career achievements
Any male professional footballer from any league around the world is eligible, provided they have demonstrated excellence during the assessment period.
Women's Ballon d'Or Criteria
Similar to the men’s, the women’s criteria include:
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Individual brilliance
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Impact on team performance
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Overall influence on the sport
However, given the limited number of high-profile women's leagues compared to men’s football, candidates often come from a smaller pool of elite clubs and international competitions.
Selection and Voting Process
The voting process for both awards is relatively similar:
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Journalists from around the world are invited to vote.
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Each voter selects five players, ranked from first to fifth.
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Points are assigned to each ranking (e.g., 6 points for 1st place, 4 for 2nd, etc.)
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The player with the most cumulative points wins.
While the men's award traditionally had broader participation from media outlets globally, the women's award initially involved a more limited voting base, though this has been expanding annually.
Frequency and Award Ceremony
Both the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or are awarded annually in a joint ceremony usually held in Paris. The glitzy event includes other awards such as the Kopa Trophy (best young male player) and the Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper).
Despite being part of the same ceremony, the men's award often receives more airtime and headline focus, with the women's segment sometimes appearing rushed or secondary.
Media Coverage and Popularity
One of the most notable differences is the media coverage. The men's Ballon d'Or garners massive global attention—millions tune in, debates rage for weeks, and sponsors fight for exposure. The women’s Ballon d’Or, while increasing in popularity, doesn’t yet command the same media footprint.
This disparity is gradually closing, particularly with high-profile players like Alexia Putellas and Sam Kerr gaining global recognition.
Global Reach and Representation
When it comes to global reach, the men's Ballon d'Or historically includes players from nearly every major league and continent. Winners typically hail from clubs competing in elite European competitions like the UEFA Champions League, and the nominees list often features players from South America, Africa, and Asia as well.
The women's Ballon d'Or, while increasingly global, still draws heavily from a smaller network of high-profile leagues—primarily the NWSL in the United States, Women’s Super League (WSL) in England, and Division 1 Féminine in France. The representation is improving with players from Australia, Japan, Brazil, and Canada regularly making the list, but the diversity of leagues is still catching up.
This impacts visibility. While top male players are recognized worldwide, many fans are still unfamiliar with even the best female players unless they follow women's football specifically.
Notable Winners of the Men's Ballon d'Or
Some of football’s greatest legends have been recipients of the men's Ballon d'Or. The following names define eras:
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Lionel Messi (8-time winner): Widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (5-time winner): A relentless goal machine with unmatched work ethic.
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Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Kaká, and George Weah are among other legendary names.
The list reads like a who’s who of football greatness, with each winner defining a generation.
Notable Winners of the Women's Ballon d'Or
Though the award is newer, it has quickly built prestige:
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Ada Hegerberg (2018): The first winner, known for her scoring record in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
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Megan Rapinoe (2019): Recognized not just for her World Cup performance but also her influence on and off the pitch.
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Alexia Putellas (2021 & 2022): A technical maestro, her back-to-back wins cemented her legacy.
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Aitana Bonmatí (2023): Another Barcelona star, leading Spain and her club to major titles.
The recognition of these players is a major leap forward for women’s football, inspiring a new generation of girls worldwide.
Differences in Public Reception and Sponsorship
Men’s Ballon d’Or winners typically sign multi-million dollar endorsement deals immediately following their win. Brands like Adidas, Nike, Pepsi, and EA Sports compete for partnerships. These players often become global icons overnight.
In contrast, while women's winners have seen boosts in marketability, the scale is smaller. There are signs of progress—players like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan have landed major endorsements, and clubs are increasingly marketing female players in kits and campaigns.
Still, the commercial gap remains wide. The growth of women's football leagues, increased visibility, and more inclusive marketing from brands are slowly narrowing this divide.
Impact on Players’ Careers
Winning the Ballon d’Or is a career-defining moment. For men, it often leads to contract extensions, higher wages, and moves to top clubs. It enhances their legacy and cements their status as one of the game’s elite.
For women, the impact is also significant, but with different nuances. It helps raise the profile of their league and team, encourages young girls to pursue football, and contributes to the ongoing push for equal pay and conditions in the sport.
In both cases, Ballon d’Or winners become role models. They influence fans, shape cultures, and create legacies far beyond the pitch.
Controversies and Criticisms
The Ballon d’Or is not without its share of controversies.
For Men:
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Critics often argue it's biased towards forwards, particularly goal-scorers.
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Team achievements sometimes overshadow individual brilliance (e.g., Luka Modrić’s win in 2018 sparked debate).
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Perceived favor towards players from bigger leagues or clubs.
For Women:
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The 2018 ceremony drew backlash when Ada Hegerberg was asked an inappropriate question by the host.
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There have been criticisms about lack of visibility and shorter highlight reels for female players during the ceremony.
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Some argue that the pool of voters and media coverage is still too male-dominated to fairly assess women’s football.
Progress in Gender Equality
Despite disparities, real strides have been made:
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The Ballon d’Or Féminin is now a permanent fixture of the awards night.
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More media outlets now dedicate space to covering women’s football.
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Top women’s players are gaining global recognition through FIFA, UEFA, and domestic campaigns.
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Sponsorship interest is growing, and club investment in women’s teams is rising.
The conversation around women’s Ballon d’Or is no longer about inclusion—it’s about equal celebration, representation, and impact.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Ballon d’Or—whether awarded to men or women—is a celebration of footballing brilliance. While the men’s award has decades of tradition, the women’s award is building its legacy with incredible pace. Differences in coverage, impact, and recognition still exist, but the trend is moving towards parity.
In the years ahead, we can expect more investment, more coverage, and more awareness around the women’s Ballon d’Or. As women’s football continues to grow globally, so too will the prestige and influence of this award.
The true beauty of the Ballon d’Or lies in its symbolism: it celebrates excellence, passion, and the universal love of football—regardless of gender.
About
Q1: When was the Women's Ballon d'Or first introduced?
The Women's Ballon d'Or, or Ballon d'Or Féminin, was introduced in 2018 by France Football.
Q2: Are the voting processes the same for men’s and women’s Ballon d'Or?
Yes, both follow a similar format with journalists ranking their top five players based on performance, skill, and influence.
Q3: Why is the men's Ballon d'Or more popular?
Due to its longer history, global reach, and higher commercial visibility, the men's Ballon d'Or receives more attention. However, the women's award is rapidly growing in recognition.
Q4: Has any player won the Ballon d'Or in both genders?
No, the awards are gender-specific and no player has won both.
Q5: What’s being done to make the Women’s Ballon d’Or equal in prestige?
Improved media coverage, growing fan interest, increased sponsorship, and stronger women’s leagues are all contributing to raising the prestige of the women’s award.