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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.

Behind this new historic milestone are moments that changed football. A journey into the past to relive the eight works of art that catapulted Lionel Messi to win each of his Ballon d'Or awards.

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.