The 68th annual Ballon d’Or awards takes place this evening, as a host of the world’s best footballers await to see who will be crowned the winner for 2024.
One of the world’s most prestigious football ceremonies, the event will take place at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France and will be hosted by TV journalist Sandy Heribert, with former Chelsea and Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba joining her as co-host for the evening.
Three of the last four events have resulted in Argentina icon Lionel Messi being named as the winner of the award, but with the iconic Inter Miami not nominated this year, there is a new name that will be on the trophy for 2024.
But who has won the award each year since its inception in 1956? Here is a the complete list of Ballon d’Or winners from 1956-2023.
41. 2001: Michael Owen
Four years after his senior debut, Liverpool striker Michael Owen won the award. | Allsport Photo: Clive Brunskill /Allsport/Getty
42. 2002: Ronaldo
Ronaldo won his second Ballon d'Or in 2002, beating off competition from club and international team-mate Roberto Carlos. | AFP via Getty Images
43. 2003: Pavel Nedved
The Juventus midfielder brought the award back to the Czech Republic after a massive season for Juventus, where he won the domestic double. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
44. 2004: Andriy Shevchenko
The Ukrainian striker beat off Portugal midfielder Deco to the award in 2004. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images