The 69th Ballon d’Or awards will take place this on Monday in Paris, as the world’s biggest talents join together to celebrate the best players on the planet across the calendar year.
Taking place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the awards ceremony will be hosting by popular TV personality Kate Scott, with ex-Netherlands and Chelsea star Ruud Gullit as her co-host. Last year’s winner Rodri will be forced to hand over his trophy, with the Manchester City midfielder’s last year ruined by an ACL.
Three of the last five events have resulted in Argentina legend Lionel Messi winning the prestigious trophy, but with the iconic Inter Miami not in the running again this year, a new name could be etched on on the trophy for 2024.
Paris Saint-Germain Ousmane Dembele is the favourite, though, Mohamed Salah and teenager superstar Lamine Yamal could spring a surprise after their outstanding seasons for Liverpool and Barcelona respectively. But who has won the award each year since its beginnings in 1956?
Here is a the complete list of Ballon d’Or winners from 1956 to 2024, including how many times they have won the award.
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