STORIES - INTERVIEW

In an exclusive interview with France Football and Ballondor.com in 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about his wish for an incredibly long career. And also about his goals and his rivalry with other Ballon d'Or legends.

David Trezeguet, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, sat down with the ballondor.com team for an in-depth interview: the contenders for the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé’s role, his time with the French national team, and much more.

From the importance of family, to his life choices, desires, and superstar status, Kylian Mbappé shares his truths with "L'Équipe Magazine".

The 1977 Ballon d'Or recipient, former Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Barcelona forward Allan Simonsen, has chosen a peaceful existence in Vejle. Here, in western Denmark, his popularity remains as high as ever, despite the passing years.

Crowned the 1986 Ballon d'Or winner while representing the USSR, Igor Belanov now shares his life's greatest trophy with the people of Ukraine. The former striker travels the country, boosting the morale of soldiers and children alike.

Winner in 1991, much to his own surprise, following a stellar season with Olympique de Marseille, Jean-Pierre Papin recounts those unforgettable moments that propelled him into another dimension.

The 1993 Ballon d'Or winner cultivates the art of paradox. A creative footballer in the kingdom of rigor, a Buddhist in the land where Catholicism is king, he lives his differences in complete tranquility. If football can drive you crazy, the "ordinary person" hiding behind it is not about to fall into the trap.

In front of a microphone, the 2019 Ballon d'Or never disappoints. Convinced she has a role to play in defending minorities, the U.S. star also exhorts her male counterparts to show the same level of involvement.

He, who tames every ball that passes through his feet with such singular talent, had secretly been thinking of the Ballon d'Or. The object of all his desires, it returns to him almost by right this year (1998). "You cannot imagine what I am feeling..."

Brazilian winger Raphinha welcomed France Football into his Barcelona home to discuss his ambitions, his journey, and his new status, achieved later in his career at 28: that of one of the world's best attackers.

Just months away from retirement, Fluminense captain Thiago Silva, at 41, dreams of a Brazil call-up for the World Cup. This comes before he potentially takes on a coaching role at Paris Saint-Germain, a club that profoundly impacted his career.

After securing an unexpected yet historic third consecutive Ballon d'Or, FC Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati reflects on her journey from Catalonia to the 2025 ceremony.

Born in a Liberian slum, "Mister George" Weah became the first non-European Ballon d'Or winner in 1995 before later ascending to his country's presidency. In an exclusive interview with France Football, the former Monaco, Paris-SG, and AC Milan striker reflects on his unique journey.

Hristo Stoichkov, the fiery Bulgarian forward known for his stubborn nature and magical left foot, celebrated in 2024 the 30th anniversary of his Ballon d'Or. On this occasion, the former Barcelona legend reflects on the pursuit of a lifetime.

The last German to be crowned, back in 1996, the former Dortmund defender—who had a reputation for speaking his mind—shares his Ballon d'Or memories with France Football.

Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who claimed his second Yachine Trophy in 2025, spoke in his native language about his history with PSG, his philosophy as a goalkeeper, and his new chapter at Manchester City.

From star player to national team manager and now a global advocate, 2004 Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko is rallying support for his native Ukraine and has revealed his plans to one day bring his prestigious trophy home.

In 2023, we caught up with the Real Madrid winger, just 23 years old but with a life already full of adventures: first a prodigy from Rio de Janeiro's favelas, then a global footballing promise, and finally an international icon and leader in the fight against racism, which the Brazilian has often faced.

2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri welcomed "France Football" into his family home in Madrid. He discussed the whirlwind of the awards ceremony, the flood of compliments he received, and the significance of this rare honor for a defensive player.

Following a stunning and decisive 2021-2022 season, Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, won the Yachine Trophy for the world's best keeper. The Belgian challenges the long-held stereotypes and misconceptions about his position.