In the world of football, the debate surrounding Ballon d’Or vs The Best continues to captivate fans and experts alike, highlighting two of the most prestigious individual awards that honor the sport’s elite talents.
Both Ballon d’Or and The Best celebrate the world’s finest talent, but they differ in history, voting processes, eligibility criteria, and presentation. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand what makes these awards unique.
This in-depth comparison dives into the origins, organizational differences, and unique aspects of each award, shedding light on how they’ve evolved over the decades to recognize the finest players in the game.
In the prestigious world of football awards, Lionel Messi dominates with a record eight Ballon d’Or wins (spanning from 2009 to 2023) and three The Best FIFA Men’s Player titles (2019, 2022, and 2023), while Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely with five Ballon d’Or victories (2008, 2013-2014, 2016-2017) and two The Best awards (2016-2017).
Other notable multiple winners include Robert Lewandowski with two The Best honors (2020-2021).
Which one is better, the Ballon d’Or or The Best?
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Over the years, football’s individual awards have changed and grown, with the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player now standing out as two of the most prestigious accolades in the sport.
When debating Ballon d’Or vs The Best, the “better” award depends on perspective. The Ballon d’Or, organized by France Football since 1956, is celebrated for its historical legacy and emphasis on expert media votes from 180 international journalists, giving it a traditional prestige.
In contrast, The Best FIFA Men’s Player, revived in 2016 by FIFA, offers a broader, four-pronged voting system including journalists, national team coaches, captains, and fans, reflecting a more global consensus.
As of September 22, 2025, with the latest winners yet to be decided, the Ballon d’Or’s focus on media expertise often edges out for purists, while The Best’s inclusivity appeals to a wider audience—making the choice subjective based on what you value in recognition.
Origins and Organizational Bodies
The Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 1956 by the French magazine France Football. Initially limited to European players, it expanded over time and merged with FIFA’s award from 2010 to 2015 as the “FIFA Ballon d’Or,” before reverting to its independent status. Today, it remains organized solely by France Football.
The Best FIFA Men’s Player was established in 2016 after FIFA ended its partnership with France Football. It revived FIFA’s own global award tradition, which dates back to the FIFA World Player of the Year (1991–2009). FIFA manages this award in Zurich, Switzerland.
Voting Panels and Processes – Ballon d’Or vs The Best
The Ballon d’Or voting panel consists exclusively of around 180 international journalists, each representing a different country. Journalists rank their top five players, with points allocated on a 6-4-3-2-1 basis. The process emphasizes expert media perspectives.
The Best FIFA Player award utilizes a four-pronged voting system that equally weights votes from:
- National team captains
- National team coaches
- A select group of journalists
- Fans voting online
Each group contributes 25% to the final result, ensuring a broad mix of professional and public input.
Eligibility Criteria and Voting Period
Ballon d’Or and The Best awards consider performances across the calendar year, but their specific eligibility windows differ slightly:
- Ballon d’Or: January to December of the award year.
- The Best FIFA Player: Often runs from August of the previous year to July of the award year, aligning with many domestic seasons.
Nominees for the Ballon d’Or are selected by the France Football editorial staff, typically narrowing down to 30 candidates. For The Best FIFA Player, FIFA publishes a longlist of 23–25 players, which a panel of experts refines to three finalists.
Award Presentation and Trophy Design
The Ballon d’Or trophy is a gold-plated football ornament atop a swirling base, reflecting the award’s prestige and history. The ceremony takes place in Paris, usually in late autumn.
The Best FIFA Player trophy features a tall silhouette figure reaching upward, symbolizing excellence and global unity. FIFA holds its awards gala in Zurich each year, typically in September.
Impact and Global Recognition of Ballon d’Or vs The Best
Ballon d’Or vs The Best awards receive global recognition, but many players and fans view the Ballon d’Or as having a richer legacy, dating back to 1956.
On the other hand, The Best FIFA Player award is celebrated for its inclusive voting process, with fan participation playing a key role in the outcome.
Here are the Key Differences between Ballon d’Or vs The Best below –
| Aspect | Ballon d’Or | The Best FIFA Men’s Player |
|---|---|---|
| Organizer | France Football magazine | FIFA |
| Inception | 1956 | 2016 |
| Voting Panel | ~180 international journalists | National team captains, coaches, journalists, fans (25% each) |
| Eligibility Period | Calendar year (Jan–Dec) | Typically Aug–Jul |
| Nomination | 30 candidates selected by editorial staff | Longlist of 23–25 refined to three finalists |
| Trophy Design | Gold-plated football on base | Silhouette figure reaching upward |
| Ceremony Location | Paris, France | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Fan Involvement | No | Yes (25% voting weight) |
The Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards each offer distinct traditions and voting styles to celebrate football’s finest. \
Whether you value the historic prestige of the Ballon d’Or or the inclusive philosophy of The Best FIFA Player, both honor the incredible accomplishments of the sport’s top players.
Most Successful Winners and Their Influence on Young Players of Ballon d’Or vs The Best
Messi and Ronaldo are the most successful players in the history of the Ballon d’Or vs The Best trophy.
- Lionel Messi leads with eight Ballon d’Or wins (2009-2023) and three The Best FIFA Men’s Player titles (2019, 2022, 2023).
- Cristiano Ronaldo follows with five Ballon d’Or victories (2008, 2013-2014, 2016-2017) and two The Best awards (2016-2017).
- Robert Lewandowski also shines with two The Best honors (2020-2021).
- These icons have transformed young players’ aspirations worldwide.
- Messi’s creativity and humility inspire technical skill and perseverance.
- Ronaldo’s discipline and athleticism drive rigorous training habits.
- Their success boosts participation in youth academies globally.
- Aspiring talents are motivated to push boundaries for excellence.
