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.
33. 1993: Roberto Baggio
There were riots on the streets of Florence after Baggio sealed a move from Fiorentina to Juventus. He went on the win his one and only Ballon d'Or shortly afterwards. | Allsport Photo: Shaun Botterill/Allsport
34. 1994: Hristo Stoichkov
The first Bulgarian, and only, to win the trophy. | Getty Images
35. 1995: George Weah
Weah, left, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the world and beat off Jurgen Klinsmann to win the award in 1995. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
36. 1996: Matthias Sammer
Euro 1996 winner Matthias Sammer beat off competition from both Ronaldo and Alan Shearer to win in 1996. | Getty Images