The Ballon d’Or Can Be Won Without Trophies
In a surprising shift in the rules for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, footballers can win the award without securing any trophies with their clubs or national teams this season. The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on performance during the sporting season since 2022, focusing on player individuality over team success.
This year, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland stand out among the leading candidates for the award despite not winning any major club or national titles. However, history shows that six players have already accomplished this feat:
- Stanley Matthews in 1956 was the first.
- Dennis Law matched his achievement in 1964.
- Gerd Müller did so after scoring 10 goals at the 1970 World Cup and finishing third with Germany.
- Kevin Keegan also won it in 1978 despite no individual accolades.
- Luis Figo claimed the award in 2000 without a trophy.
- Cristiano Ronaldo took home the honor in 2013, marking 11 years since such an accomplishment last occurred.
According to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can players really win Ballon d’Or without trophies?
Yes, the award has been given based on individual performance regardless of team success since 2022. Six players have already achieved this milestone historically.
Who are the current contenders for the Ballon d’Or?
This year's contenders include Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, despite their teams not securing trophies during the season.