Champions Academy | Ballon d'Or

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Academy Lesson: How Ballon d’Or Winners Rebuild Themselves After Serious Injury

Serious injuries do not discriminate, cruelly depriving great players of game-time as well as good. Read on to discover how the current Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri returned to Manchester City’s midfield after enduring a devastating ACL.

The latest

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Who is the oldest Ballon d'Or winner?

41 years, 10 month, and 17 days. No one has ever been so old in earning their Ballon d'Or win, whether in the women's or men's category. But who holds this record? And what does the Top 5 look like?

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Roberto Carlos: football’s most famous legs

With legs that seemed to be from another planet and a shot capable of defying the laws of physics, Roberto Carlos built a career characterised by explosive speed and some of the most impressive free-kicks in the history of football. A World Cup winner with Brazil and an eight-time nominee for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award, he also helped to redefine the role of the left-back in modern football.

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Champions Academy: Mentally Preparing for a first World Cup

Four Ballon d’Or nominated superstars are primed to participate in their first World Cup tournament. The expectation on each to perform is almost too much to bear.

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Achraf Hakimi and the Arab dream: How he became a 'complete player'

From dominating the wing to orchestrating PSG’s attacks. We take a look at the Moroccan full-back’s transformation: a talented player who influences every aspect of the game and dreams of making history for his region.

Women’s ballon d’or

Winners since 2018

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Interviews

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"I learned to invent moves at a young age": Ronaldinho, the magician and icon of joga bonito

In 2005, Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or. More than twenty years after, the enchanting Brazilian number 10, revisited the highlights of a career defined by giving and receiving joy, for France Football.

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Hannah Hampton: "The doctors told me to stop"

Born with severe strabismus and still unable to properly judge distances, Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton didn't start with the best odds before becoming the first female winner of the Yachine Trophy in 2025.

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Fabio Cannavaro: “I am filled with pride”

With Fabio Cannavaro, a pure defender was honored Ballon d'Or in 2006, a rare achievement. And the recognition of a school and a tradition, that of the Italian defensive style. Here is the interview made right after his crowning.

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Luis Figo: "I developed my skills on the street"

The Portuguese attacking midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000, sent shockwaves through the football world that same year by moving from Barcelona to Real Madrid. Beyond that seismic transfer, he defined an era with his devastating dribbles down the right flank.

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