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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.

A leap of faith and teenage courage led a 15-year-old Christian Pulisic to Europe. There his dynamic displays helped inspire a nation.

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.

From her humble beginnings in Dois Riachos to the top of world football, Marta transformed obstacles into achievements and rose to become the Queen of the women's game. More than just titles and records, her journey is a powerful story of perseverance, courage, and a never-say-never attitude. Discover how she changed football forever.

The Ballon d’Or celebrates intelligence just as much as goals. By dissecting Keira Walsh’s tactical mastery, we see how the "Director" of the England midfield turns football into a form of art through vision and positioning.

Twenty-five years ago, Michael Owen’s explosive pace shocked the world, earning him the 2001 Ballon d’Or. Relive the magic of a season where a young prodigy proved that lightning can indeed be captured in a trophy.

Alessia Russo’s journey from the North Carolina Tar Heels to the heights of the Ballon d'Or shortlist is a masterclass in development. Discover how the American collegiate system serves as a finishing school for the world’s best talent.

Labelled a world beater before a professional ball was kicked, the Real Madrid conductor has gone on to fulfil every ounce of the hype. But what did it take to make it this far?

In an era when steak and chips was a typical pre-match meal, and smoking wasn’t unheard of, Sir Stanley Matthews was the ultimate professional, dedicated to body maintenance that facilitated high excellence well into his forties, with the 1956 Ballon d'Or.

Before Messi and Ronaldo, there was the "Wizard of the Dribble." Journey back to 1956 to see how a 41-year-old Stanley Matthews set the standard for excellence and sportsmanship as the first-ever Ballon d'Or winner.

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.

In 2022, at the pinnacle of his career, a place where he strives to elevate the game to an art form, Karim Benzema reflected on his journey to becoming the 45th recipient of the Ballon d'Or. In an intimate conversation, he breaks down what he sees, hears, feels, and experiences on the pitch—and in the wake of this ultimate recognition.

Michael Owen, the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner, has returned to live near where he grew up, in a Welsh manor house he has transformed into a museum dedicated to his meteoric career.

Consistency is the most difficult criterion for a Ballon d'Or juror to ignore. Explore how Declan Rice’s physical and mental preparation has turned him into the world’s most reliable midfielder, setting a new "Gold Standard" for the position.

Twice voted England Men’s Player of the Year, Bukayo Saka carries the hopes of a nation on his young shoulders this summer, as the Three Lions aspire to roar at the World Cup. The multiple Ballon d’Or nominee will be aware of what international success means for his country, while individual garlands tend to follow.

He was the first to know and the last to believe it. And yet, the superb midfielder for Juventus and the Czech Republic became the 48th Ballon d'Or winner. Here is the interview made after his triumph.

Right after he won the 2018 Ballon d'Or, Luka Modric discussed the obstacles he had to overcome to reach the top. And the prediction of his former coach.

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.