The Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on September 22 this year and the number of awards for women and men will be equal for the first time, organisers said on Monday.
A statement on the event’s official poster via X reads, “Prepare to be dazzled,” as anticipation builds for football’s most coveted individual honour.
The ceremony is expected to draw global attention, featuring top footballers, dignitaries, and fans.
This year, new awards for women players make it more exciting. Awards for best women’s goalkeeper, best young women’s player and the top women’s scorer in a club or national team have been added to the list this year for the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France Football magazine and UEFA said.
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That means there will be six awards for male players and six for female players, with an additional prize, the Socrates Award, for actions that promote solidarity, which is open to men or women.
The nominees will be announced in early August.
Last year’s awards ceremony was overshadowed by a boycott by Real Madrid after they learned that their Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior had not won the best men’s player award, which went to Rodri of Manchester City.
The announcement has sparked excitement across social media.
A user, @Modoundiaye001, posted, “On arrive pour toi le Ballon d’Or !!!” — expressing enthusiasm for a favourite contender.
Another user, @Loud_Deadpool, simply reacted with “LAMINE,” potentially hinting at support for rising star Lamine Yamal.
Khuncu posted, “Big night for Lamine Yamal, split decision between Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick, another Golden Ball to La Masia graduate Cubarsí. Barcelona women sweep all awards, and Donnarumma collects his Yashin peacefully. I’m from the future.”
Meanwhile, Pajn wrote, “Messi is winning the Ballon d’Or.”
LukaTesa21 posted, “Dembele winning it ong.”
The Ballon d’Or, presented by France Football in collaboration with UEFA, remains the highest individual recognition in world football, celebrating excellence on and off the pitch.