The Ballon d'Or is changing: from next year it will be co-organised with UEFA

The prestigious Golden Ball, changes again, and will be organised in collaboration with UEFA starting next year. The governing body of the football European Football Association has reached an agreement with the Amaury Group, owner of the media companies France Football and L'Equipe, to “increase the stature and global reach of the awards.”

The Argentine star Lionel Messi has won his eighth 'Ballon d'Or' this week after leading her country to World Cup triumph last year in Qatar, with Spain's World Cup star Aitana Bonmati winning the women's award. The merger of the awards means the end of the Uefa awards being handed out annually in August, with the exception of the President's Award which will still be awarded alongside the draws for Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

There will also be new awards such as the best player in each UEFA club competition, which will be determined by the technical study group and announced within a few days of each competition final. As part of the new partnership, UEFA said that all existing Ballon d'Or awards will remain in place with the addition of the men's and women's coach of the year awards.

Avellino promoted and Pope dead: the curse continues since 1958 April 21, 2025 - 18:44

Under the agreement, Groupe Amaury retains control of the Ballon d'Or brand and voting system, which will remain unchanged. UEFA will be responsible for marketing the global commercial rights to the event and organising the annual awards gala.

“For nearly 70 years, the Ballon d'Or has been the most prestigious individual award in world football and is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication and impact of football's legends and their enduring imprint on the history of the sport”, explained UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.

“UEFA club and national team competitions, such as the Champions League and the Euro, are regarded as the world’s premier stages for elite players, and often play a pivotal role in establishing players as candidates for major honours and their place in the football pantheon. UEFA and the Ballon d’Or are synonymous with sporting excellence, so our partnership will be a natural blend of significance and a synergy that promises to be nothing short of exceptional.”